REPORT
WHOLESALE CHANGES
United Drug Healthcare shook the local pharmacy platform last month when they announced that they are to sell its Irish pharmaceutical distribution businesses to global pharmaceutical wholesaler McKesson
in a €408 million deal. The divestment will transform the company into a more focused international healthcare services business as it announces new management.
provisional agreement to purchase the pharmaceutical distribution division of UDG Healthcare plc and MASTA, the former of which constitutes a component of UDG Healthcare's Supply Chain Services Division and the latter a component of the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services Division.
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This incorporates UD Sangers in Northern Ireland, and United Drug in the Republic of Ireland. The conditional sale is in line with UDG Healthcare’s plan to concentrate
he news broke at the end of September that the McKesson Corporation has reached a
more wholly on the international healthcare sector it says.
United Drug Sangers, which is based in Castlereagh, currently employs more than 250 people. It has been supplying pharmaceutical and healthcare products to both retail and hospital pharmacies across Northern Ireland for 150 years. Sangers was originally known as Thomas McMullan and Co, but it changed its name in the early 1980s. Its Irish parent, United Drug Chemical Co, was established in 1948 in Ballina by a group of pharmacists.
It is believed the purchase could open the door for an increased presence within the community pharmacy offering by Celesio, owner of AAH and LloydsPharmacy; and a subsidiary of parent company McKesson, an acknowledgment not denied by their owners.
We spoke with McKesson spokesperson Kris Fortner who couldn’t confirm the length of time these plans have been in the pipeline stating only that “McKesson constantly considers opportunities that can complement and advance our existing businesses.”
MediCare, in which UDG Healthcare has a minority stake, is not part of the deal.
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However when questioned about their planned expansion he added, “McKesson believes that there is a strong long-term opportunity to grow its operations in the
“McKesson believes that there is a strong long-term opportunity to grow its operations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland markets”
Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland markets.
“Our growth strategy is based upon the key tenets of excellent customer service, expertise and convenience. Over recent years we have developed a range of services that make it easier for people to manage their health. This is what the Sainsbury’s partnership, in the UK, is about.
“Equally, we believe there are select, community-centred, patient-focused pharmacies with sustainable business models that will fit with our holistic healthcare approach. Our growing community presence right across Ireland reflects this belief.”
“I have nothing but praise for Sangers and its management who have supported me from my first day in business” Lisburn community pharmacist
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