Updated at 6pm
ONE OF IRELAND’S largest independent pharmacy chains could be set to come under the Lloyds Pharmacy umbrella.
Lloyds, formerly Doc Morris, the largest pharmacy chain in the country with 93 stores nationwide, are set to buy out McCauley’s Chemists, in a move that will further strengthen their position nationally, according to a report in the Sunday Times.
According to the report negotiations are at an advanced stage between the two parties, with the takeover fee rumoured to be in the region of €40-50 million.
Currently McCauley’s own 28 stores nationwide in counties Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.
When contacted for comment on the rumours by TheJournal.ie a Lloyds spokesman would say only that they “don’t comment on speculation”.
A response from McCauley’s following a request for comment was not available at time of publication.
Lloyds was last month embroiled in controversy when it emerged that the chain was being investigated by the HSE with regard to possible gearing of prescription fees claimed from the health executive.
Lloyds denied the allegations, but admitted at the time that their “staff incentive structures are currently under review”.
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