Continuing its acquisition spree, community pharmacy support group Avicenna has acquired Sheppards Pharmacy, largest independent pharmacy group in Wales.
Sheppard’s is a family-owned business, which started in Aberdare by Alan and Jean Sheppard in 1972. It operates 34 community pharmacies concentrated mainly in the South Wales Valleys, with stores also in Pembrokeshire and around Bridgend.
Previous to the latest acquisition, Avicenna managed an estate of 101 stores, based primarily in the south of England and the north east. This latest deal expands the pharmacy support group's store footprint into Wales, resulting in a total of 135 branches across its estate.
It also comes just weeks after Avicenna acquired Dudley Taylor Pharmacies Ltd's 57 stores across Yorkshire, the Midlands, the south of England and Wales.
“The Sheppard’s stores are well positioned and well invested community pharmacies, concentrated mainly in the South Wales Valleys with stores also in Pembrokeshire and around Bridgend. These locations perfectly complement our existing branches in Gwent and Powys,” Avicenna said in a press release.
It's chief executive Jonathan Power added: “I look forward to working with our new colleagues and further investing in the stores, taking forward the vision and legacy that Alan and Jean Sheppard have built since founding in 1972 when their first pharmacy was opened in Aberdare.
“Avicenna will continue to invest in improving and growing our Retail Pharmacies as well as AviLab and our Independent Support organisation. The expanded store footprint will allow us to accelerate investments in technology, pharmacy support and our people not only for the benefit of our colleagues and customers but those of our 1,200 independent partners.”
