Uniphar moves to accquire Whelehan Group

UniPhar today announced that it has reached an agreement to accquire the business and assets of fellow pharmaceuticals distributor the Whelehan Group.

UniPhar is owned by around 450 independent pharmacists across Ireland. It had a turnover of €408m in 2003, and employs 350 people in Cork, Dublin, Sligo and Limerick.

Its main activities include supplying healthcare products and medical and scientific equipment to pharmacies and hospitals around the country.

The Whelehan Group has a turnover of around €100m and currently employs 140 people. As well as pharmaceutical, medical, and health and beauty products, it distributes agricultural and garden care goods.

Within Whelehan, the Boileau & Boyd wholesaling company has an extensive customer base. Commenting on the deal, Uniphar said: "This transaction will significantly enhance the service levels on offer to them by availing of the greater geographical spread of the enlarged organisation".

The acquisition is subject to approval by the Competition Authority.