The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7447 p417
14 April 2007

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UniChem leaves BAPW over wholesale rift

UniChem this week terminated its membership of the British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers over differences relating to UniChem's distribution deal with Pfizer.

David Coles, UniChem managing director, said in a statement: “We are disappointed by the way that the BAPW has failed to represent UniChem’s view in recent months, and find ourselves completely at odds with its resistant approach to change.” Mr Coles resigned from his role as BAPW chairman in October last year (PJ, 21 October 2006, p470).

Current BAPW chairman Ian Brownlee said that the association “does not wish UniChem to leave the association and particularly at this important time”. He added: “Because of the different needs of the various stakeholders, the BAPW wanted a considered and co-ordinated approach to change in the distribution system.” He maintains that UniChem has not taken up invitations, both before and after the announcement of the Pfizer deal, to share with BAPW members its vision for the future.