Tue, 05 Jul 2016 | MERGER
Two online pharmacies, Chemist Direct and Pharmacy2U, are merging, forming a 1.5 million-strong customer base in the process.
The marriage between the two firms, backed by a £10 million investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF), follows the opening of Pharmacy2U's new £3.5 million dispensing hub in Leeds, where it is based. The total value of the deal exceeds £40 million.
Mark Livingstone, the current chief executive of Chemist Direct, will head up the newly enlarged company, while one of the two founders and superintendent pharmacist of Pharmacy2U, Daniel Lee, will take up the position of chief operating officer.
The venture will offer an online-only home delivery prescription service for NHS patients and online doctor consultations for a broad range of common ailments, and will be capable of dispensing one million prescription items a month.
“It is the beginning of a new era of convenience and choice for millions more patients, as we open up the full potential of internet pharmacy for the first time,” Mr Livingstone said.
Adding that, “BGF has confidence in our plans, and their long-term, minority partner approach was the right fit for the business.“
Daniel Lee commented, “Online pharmacy has now come of age, with 80 per cent of GP surgeries now using the NHS Electronic Prescription Service and patients keen to shop online for health and wellbeing products.
“Increasing numbers of patients are also seeking the support of online doctor services. This merger means that we are in an unrivalled position to respond to the growing demand for these innovative services.“
Chemist Direct was founded in 2007 by pharmacist Krishna Soma and her entrepreneur husband Mitesh Soma in Birmingham. It has over 50 staff and sells over 20,000 products. Pharmacy2U was established in 1999, and was one of the first to pilot the electronic transfer of prescriptions in the UK.
Merging with another business? Read our resources on handling that crucial post-merger integration
A rare opportunity to acquire a long established, profitable, BMW After Market Specialist, with an excellent reputation. Trading profitably since 1994. Offering complete automotive performance, engineering and styling solutions. This is a retirement...
Provides an extensive range of coffee machinery, which is imported from Italy and Spain, and coffee products, which are sourced within the UK. Offers invited.
FREEHOLD
One of the UK's leading end-to-end service providers. Comprehensive export handling, packing and storage services, providing specialist cargo and goods management to a wide variety of international operations and private clients. 40+ years of success...
|
24
|
|
Jan
|
Yorkshire engineering firm completes MBO deal | MBO/MBI
A West Yorkshire engineering group has been taken over by th...
|
22
|
|
Jan
|
Jewellery retailer enters administration | ADMINISTRATION
A Nottingham-based jewellery and watches company has fallen ...
|
19
|
|
Jan
|
Luxury lodging group enters administration | ADMINISTRATION
An Essex-based company which operates eight luxury lodge par...
Sign up to receive our acquisition alert emails to get your FREE guide
|
13
|
|
Aug
|
Two printing firms merge after £10m investment | MERGER
York Mailing has purchased its rival The Lettershop Group (T...
Business Sale Report is your complete solution to finding great acquisition opportunities.
Join today to receive:
All this and much more, including the latest M&A news and exclusive resources