Unichem launches Alphega Pharmacy - a new virtual chain for UK pharmacy

UniChem is delighted to announce the launch of Alphega Pharmacy, a new virtual chain for independent pharmacies in the UK. Alphega Pharmacy is being launched in partnership with Alliance Healthcare, the Wholesale and Commercial Affairs Division of Alliance Boots. Alphega Pharmacy is a pan-European virtual chain, which already has over 800 members* across France, Italy and Spain and has been tailored for the UK market.

Alphega Pharmacy provides a benchmark independent community pharmacy model by offering a comprehensive range of innovative added-value services to independent pharmacists including:

• Strong brand profile: Branding provides Alphega Pharmacy members with a strong visual identity incorporating store design and layout, display and decoration - all tailored to the needs of the individual pharmacy and co-ordinated in line with the overall look and feel of the Alphega Pharmacy brand.
• Professional training & patient care: Alphega Pharmacy supports the development of greater pharmacy services by providing industry leading professional training and support, designed to help pharmacists better perform their healthcare role in the community.
• Retail support services: Alphega Pharmacy provides a high level of support for members' retail operations, including product listings and sales promotion schemes designed to encourage sales of featured products and increase turnover. Members are also offered marketing, HR and category management support, as well as the option of a tailored planogram to assist in maximising Point of Sale (POS) impact.
• Pharmacy management & IT support: Alphega Pharmacy members can benefit from a range of pharmacist coaching services, covering a variety of issues including supplier relationships, merchandising and staff management.

Jeremy Main, Chief Commercial Officer of UniChem, comments: “Alphega Pharmacy is a virtual chain concept unlike any other in the UK market at the moment. It builds on the strengths of the successful pan-European model, to offer independent pharmacists the chance to transform their pharmacies into modern, leading-edge businesses, while at the same time retain their independence and local recognition within their community.

“Furthermore, as income streams continue to change for community pharmacy and services become of even greater significance, Alphega Pharmacy will offer its UK members valuable professional support to assist them in engaging in and carrying out pharmacy healthcare services. At UniChem we believe that Alphega Pharmacy will offer a fantastic new business development tool for meeting the changing needs of independent pharmacies.”

EDITORS NOTES: *Based on October 2007 figures

For more information please contact:

• Sanam Conway, Communications Executive: 0208 974 4045
• Helena Bate, Communications Manager: 0208 974 4044
• Zoe Farthing, Communications Manager, Alliance Healthcare: 01932 871569