CI Coop plans to snap up closed Lloyds pharmacies

Thursday 12 October 2023

CI Coop will be taking over seven community pharmacies from LloydsPharmacy across Jersey and Guernsey, if regulatory approval is given.

The retailer's chief executive called the acquisitions a “unique opportunity” to further develop the CI Coop's pharmacy business.

This comes after LloydsPharmacy announced last week that it had made the "difficult decision" to shut its branches at Red Houses (Parade), and David Place and Indigo House in St Helier following a review into their operations.

Saving some of the branches from closure, CI Coop has now acquired sites in The Parade, Red Houses, Les Quennevais, and Gorey Village.

The three branches acquired in Guernsey are located at St Sampson's, L'Aumone, and Longfrie.

Pictured: Mark Cox, CEO of the CI Coop, described the purchase as "a unique opportunity".

As part of the move, CI Coop will be offering roles to all existing Lloyds employees.

The two companies said they were working together to finalise the sale and transition, which is anticipated to be completed at the end of this month.

This is subject to approval by the competition and regulatory authorities in both Jersey and Guernsey.

Mark Cox,  CEO of the CI Coop, said: "We look forward to welcoming new and existing members and customers to our expanded pharmacy network and are thrilled to welcome their team into the Channel Islands Coop family."

Sara Kynicos, Head of Care at CI Coop, added: "This acquisition presents an excellent opportunity for us, underscoring our commitment to the growth and development of our pharmacy business, as well as our continued support for the essential pharmacy sector within the local community."

The Jersey Competition and Regulatory Authority has a consultation open until 25 October.