Alliance Unichem to Acquire Spanish Wholesaler

UK drug wholesaler Alliance Unichem is to expand its operations in Spain, acquiring local firm Farmacen for some GBP33mn (US$62.96mn). Farmacen is Spain's fifth-largest drug wholesaler, and reported turnover of EUR272mn (US$359.20mn) in 2003.

Alliance Unichem claims to be Europe's largest drug wholesaler, and already operates a Spanish network through its affiliate Safa Galenica. Nevertheless, the addition of Farmacen's six warehouses to Unichem's network of more than 200 distribution centres in Europe will further strengthen its competitive position, assuming the company secures the necessary regulatory approvals. Alliance already has operations in the Czech Republic, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany. Outside the EU, the company is present in Turkey and Egypt, as well as Norway and Switzerland.