15 October 2008

NEW NAME FOR UNICHEM BUT "INDUSTRY- LEADING SERVICES AND SUPPORT" REMAIN

UniChem today confirmed to customers at its 2008 Convention in Oman that it will be implementing a phased rebranding process to Alliance Healthcare during 2009, in line with other businesses within the Pharmaceutical Wholesale Division of Alliance Boots to which it belongs.

The Division has been undertaking a process of rebranding its businesses since the beginning of 2007. The new brand has been rolled out across several countries in which the Group operates, creating an international brand identity for its pharmaceutical wholesale business. The branding strategy was also confirmed when AB Acquisitions Ltd took Alliance Boots private last year.

UniChem is one of the final businesses in the Division to rebrand and will officially begin trading as Alliance Healthcare in 2009. The well known 'arrows' logo synonymous with UniChem will not change as part of the rebrand, and the logo will continue to represent the company’s long-standing identity within the UK pharmaceutical wholesale sector.

UniChem will continue with 'business as usual' throughout the rebranding process and beyond. Following the change of name, UniChem will continue to operate as an autonomous business within Alliance Boots, focused on meeting the needs of UK customers.

Jeremy Main, Managing Director of UniChem, comments:

"As part of an international organisation, UniChem benefits from the strength and depth of experience available within Alliance Boots. We believe that this enables us to share best practice for the benefit of all of our customers. Our new shared identity within the Alliance Healthcare Division is a reflection of this."

"We hope that our customers will embrace the new name and be reassured that our experienced, customer-focused teams will continue to the offer industry-leading services and support that they expect from their leading wholesaler."

The phased rebranding process will commence towards the end of 2008, with completion scheduled for summer 2009.

For more information please contact:
Helena Bate, Communications Manager, UniChem, 0208 974 4044
Sanam Conway, Communications Executive, UniChem, 0208 974 4045