A Black Country pharmacy chain has acquired 36 community pharmacies, 14 of which are in the South West.
Independent group Jhoots has been backed by HSBC 海角视频 in a deal which is expected to protect 212 jobs and create up to 130 new roles. The pharmacy chain will use the £17.4m funding package to acquire the sites across the 海角视频 which were previously owned and managed by Lloyds Pharmacy, securing jobs within neighbourhoods across Swindon, Wales, Gloucester, Devon, and Dorset.
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Jhoots Pharmacy already owns and operates 63 sites across the 海角视频. It will use the funding to undertake refits and enhance pharmacy offerings, ensuring local communities have access to urgent care services – such as referrals from doctors, sexual health consultations and travel clinics – to alleviate GP waiting times.
The business will be looking to save jobs and is actively recruiting for up to 130 roles, including pharmacists and qualified dispensers, as well as increasing opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
Sarbjit Jhooty, business development director at Jhoots Pharmacy, said: “We were looking for the right banking partner to support our business and our vision to grow into a larger pharmacy chain. With HSBC 海角视频’s backing, we’re committed to providing a service that puts the community first, with a strong face-to-face approach that will offer enhanced support to local areas.”
Partho Bose, relationship director at HSBC 海角视频, added: “It’s extremely important to increase the access to care in the 海角视频. With our extensive understanding and experience within the health sector, we’re providing Jhoots Pharmacy with financial foundations to realise the business’s ambitious growth plans as well as protecting and creating jobs.”