Pharmacy Daily | Advantage Group, Instigo to merge

PHARMACY operator, Advantage Group, and service provider, Instigo, are set to form one of Australia's strongest independent pharmacy groups, through a merger agreement announced this morning.

The combined entity will trade as Pharmacy Platform Pty Ltd, bringing together more than 350 pharmacy members and an additional 500 clients serviced through specialised business units.

In a statement released this morning Instigo Managing Director, Michael Flannery, said the business would leverage both groups' capabilities to optimise the delivery of enhanced value to its stakeholders, noting the two companies were "stronger together".

"Years of experience as a pharmacist and a pharmacy owner have taught me to always look for innovation and sustainability in your business," he said.

"To achieve this, organisations need to be underpinned by a strong and engaged team and this is exactly what Pharmacy Platform will represent to the industry; two independent businesses founded and owned by pharmacists providing a powerful and unique opportunity for its members and clients."

Advantage Group CEO, Steven Kastrinakis, said the merged business would be "ideally positioned to support and transform" members' pharmacies, ensuring they are "highly relevant to their communities."

"It's an exciting opportunity in a challenging time for our industry," he said.

"Pharmacy Platform is here to help our members and clients progress through COVID-19, succeed through 7CPA and be a leading growth platform towards CP2025."

Pharmacy Platform will include the Advantage Pharmacy, Chemist Discount Centre and Pharmacy Catalyst brands, adding support services, technology solutions and wholesale and distribution through its Instigo, Buy-IT-Right, ExSell Australia, Know-IT-All, Rx360 and SmartPharm business units.

Former Apotex Asia Pacific Managing Director, Roger Millichamp, has been named as the inaugural CEO of Pharmacy Platform.