Celesio records steady growth in Ireland

CELESIO, the drug distribution company, has reported steady growth in its Irish operations so far this year.

The Stuttgart-based group owns the Cahill May Roberts drugs wholesaler here as well as the Unicare chain of pharmacies.

Cahill May Roberts reported an 18.3% year-on-year rise in first-half revenues to €144.7 million. One of the company’s biggest contracts is with Boots, a link-up which has been reportedly under threat from chief rival United Drug. Cahill May Roberts had full-year revenues of €255.4 million last year. The wholesale business serves 1,100 retail pharmacy shops and 200 hospitals in Ireland and acts as the national distributor for about 30 international companies