Hugh James advises on sale of largest independent pharmacy group in Wales

Wales law firm, Hugh James, has advised on the sale of the Sheppards pharmacy Group, the largest independent pharmacy group in Wales, to Avicenna Retail Limited.

Sheppards is a family-owned business, which started in Aberdare by Alan and Jean Sheppard in 1972, and now operates 34 community pharmacies concentrated mainly in the South Wales Valleys, with stores also in Pembrokeshire and around Bridgend

Partner Greg Williams, from the Hugh James Corporate/Commercial team, advised long-standing client Sheppard’s Pharmacies, assisted by  Natalie Lane and Matt Detheridge from the Corporate/Commercial team and James Guile from the Hugh James Commercial Property team. Kilsby Williams provided Tax advice.

Commenting on the completion of the largest Pharmacy group transaction in Wales, Greg Williams said today:

“Having worked with Sheppard’s Pharmacies on their transactions over the years we have witnessed their commitment and drive to successfully build the biggest independent pharmacy group in Wales. It was therefore a pleasure to advise Alan Sheppard and his family on this landmark transaction, which sees an established pharmacy name, at the forefront in delivering much-valued primary care provision for our local communities during the COVID pandemic, form part of the Avicenna group. This transaction highlights, that notwithstanding current challenges, the pharmacy sector remains active.”

Avicenna currently manages an estate of 101 stores., based primarily in the south of England and the north east. This latest deal expands Avicenna’s store footprint into Wales, resulting in a total of 135 branches, and forming part of a wider growth strategy for the Group.