THE Co-operative Group has announced its biggest ever pharmacy deal, buying 51 outlets in the North of England and confirming its position as the UK's third largest chain.
Bringing the Group's total to 779 pharmacies, it is the first major acquisition following the summer merger of the Group and United Co-operatives and emphasises the expanded society's ambitious expansion plans.
The Group has bought 51 pharmacies, and one non-dispensing outlet, from the PCT Healthcare Group. The branches – in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire – currently trade as either Peak Pharmacy or Tims and Parker and have an annual turnover of around £ 51million.
Co-operative Trading Group Chief Executive Peter Marks commented: "This is a very significant deal and represents a major expansion in our heartlands in the North of England.
"We are looking forward to bringing our co-operative difference to the communities served by our new pharmacies."
*Further coverage in the next issue of Co-operative News available from December 11th.
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