Australian firm Gilbert + Tobin and Herbert Smith Freehills are advising on a $5.8 billion merger which will create an Australian pharmacy product wholesaler and distributor.

Under the proposed deal, Chemist Warehouse will merge with sharemarket-listed Sigma Healthcare via a scheme of arrangement to create a healthcare wholesaler, distributor and retail pharmacy franchisor, with a post-completion indicative market capitalisation of $5.8 billion.