Wholesaler updates

AAH

Celesio profits rise
AAH Pharmaceuticals’ parent company Celesio has achieved a 3.6 per cent increase in revenue — from €21.6bn in 2006 to €22.3bn in 2007 — despite difficult competitive conditions in the wholesale sector, it was announced this month. The European pharmacy and wholesale giant’s net profits grew by 2.3 per cent to €435.4m over the period.

Mawdsleys

Business guides
Mawdsleys will soon be launching a new series of “Profit from” pocket guides which aim to provide pharmacists with ways of creating extra profit from their business activities. The first guide describes ways in which wholesalers can help pharmacists achieve additional profit. This will be followed by guides focusing on areas including generics, OTC medicines, information technology and professional and retail services.

The pocket guides will be delivered free to every Mawdsleys’ customer.

Phoenix

Customer survey
Phoenix is carrying out a survey of its customers to gauge their opinions of its service. The survey will be sent to customers in the second half of April and customers can respond anonymously. Responses should be submitted by the first week in June.

UniChem

New Almus range
A new range of OTC medicines has been launched by Almus Pharmaceuticals, in conjunction with UniChem. The range builds on the brand recognition of the Almus range of generic medicines, including distinctive colour packaging.

Alphega Pharmacy
Alphega Pharmacy, UniChem’s virtual pharmacy chain (launched last year in partnership with Alliance Healthcare) has appointed a second area business manager, Pauline Chalder, to liaise with independent pharmacists interested in its virtual chain concept. Ms Chalder will liaise with customers in the north of the UK. She joins Julian Toogood, regional business manager for the south.

A new Alphega website was launched this month, dedicated to independent pharmacists in the UK. A European web-based learning tool, consisting of a series of training modules and educational toolkits designed for patients and consumers, is soon to be launched.

BAPW
UniChem has rejoined the British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers as a full member. The BAPW has expressed regret at the circumstances surrounding UniChem’s departure from the association in 2007 (The Pharmaceutical Journal, 14 April 2007, p417) and believes it will be strengthened by the wholesaler’s return.