20 May 2008

AlbaPharm and UniChem Strike Partnership Deal

A significant development in the independent community pharmacy industry was announced today (Tuesday) with the agreement between AlbaPharm and UniChem Ltd to enter into a first line wholesale partnership deal, for a new group of Members.

This deal will allow the buying and support group, AlbaPharm to become the industry voice of independent pharmacists in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England. AlbaPharm will negotiate deals with UniChem for its members to achieve competitively priced medicines and services.

David Currie, Chief Executive of AlbaPharm believes this partnership deal could lead to over 100 new independent pharmacy members within a year, who wish to be associated with an industry-leading wholesaler and a dynamic buying and support Group. It is anticipated that Independent Pharmacists who join AlbaPharm can expect to achieve a five percent improvement in their net profit per annum and they will be able to devote more time to services which can further increase their earnings.

UniChem, the UK wholesale division of Alliance Boots is a leading distributor and wholesaler of pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare products in the UK.

AlbaPharm currently operates a similar partnership with AAH for its members, another leading distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services. The new deal with UniChem will see two separate companies emerge, AlbaPharm AAH and AlbaPharm UniChem to cater for existing and new members. New members will have the option of entering into either company.

David Currie said: “Entering into a first line wholesale partnership deal with UniChem allows us to offer competitive prices and service to a wider customer base and it will also enable us to represent independent community pharmacy. We provide independent pharmacists with a vehicle to improve their service and enhance their earnings by harnessing collective purchasing power and successfully negotiating improved terms of business that compete with those available to large pharmacy chains. Our link-up with UniChem strengthens our position as the industry voice for the independents.

Anthony Mayhead, Head of Independent Sales at UniChem said: “We are pleased to join forces with AlbaPharm, a successful support Group, to offer its members competitive prices, industry-leading service levels and high quality added value support. UniChem is committed to supporting all of its customers to make the most of business opportunities and we look forward to working in partnership with AlbaPharm to help independent pharmacists to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.”

AlbaPharm supports members throughout the whole business set up, assisting with funding applications for new and existing pharmacists and negotiating improved terms of business that compete with those available to large pharmacy chains and resulting in wholesaler discounts.

For further information please contact:
Lorna Inglis or Lois Boyle at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or email: lorna@mediahouse.co.uk / lois@mediahouse.co.uk