The Swiss Zur Rose Group takes over the German mail-order pharmacy Apotal, thereby increasing the number of its customers to more than 8 million. Apotal was founded in 1980 by Heinz-Peter Fichter and is one of the largest German online pharmacies with more than 3 million customers. According to Zur Rose, Apotal has grown steadily in the high single-digit percentage range in recent years and is the market leader in diabetes care.
Fichter explained the acquisition as a conscious decision due to the common quality standards and the possibility to offer customers added value through the transaction. Walter Oberhänsli, CEO of Zur Rose, is also pleased about the acquisition, as Apotal has a powerful portfolio, which will be jointly developed further through its „market and innovation leadership as a digital healthcare provider“.
Zur Rose rates the acquisition as „highly value-enhancing“ and expects the approval of the German Federal Cartel Office in the next quarter. As a result of the transaction, Fichter will become a shareholder of Zur Rose and will initially remain with the company as a consultant.
Source: apotheke-adhoc.de