EXCLUSIVE
Donald Trump is considering bidding for control of a large UK pharmacy chain, C+D has learned.
Well-placed sources at the Trump Organisation say the business mogul believes acquiring a large multiple will have the double benefit of increasing his presence in global retail, and drum up international support from influential UK pharmacy leaders in his bid for the US presidential nomination.
A move into UK retail pharmacy would give him more credibility as a global businessman, while making the sector "great again", a board insider told C+D today (April 1).
In a tactical move designed to capitalise on low morale and disaffection within the profession, Trump has ordered senior executives to draft a strategy document that outlines plans to increase its profile worldwide. As well as buying out a major UK pharmacy chain, a central plank of Mr Trump’s strategy involves building a wall around the country to “keep dispensing doctors out”.
The strategy document, seen by C+D, also includes plans to boost Mr Trump’s campaign coffers by dramatically ramping up UK sales of self-tanning products, OTC anti-nausea medications, and hot oxygen canisters.
Launching a strike on pharmacy
Speaking at a campaign rally in Hell, Michigan, Mr Trump told supporters: “I could soon have my finger on the nuclear button, so this is a great time to launch a pre-emptive strike on UK pharmacy.”
“Downtrodden workers make for the cheapest, most hostile takeovers. It’s a no-brainer, all the cuts means I’ll get them cheap, and sell them for more. If it works for Celebrity Apprentice, it will work for pharmacy too,” he added.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society confirmed it would lobby the government to intervene to prevent Trump from moving into the pharmacy sector. It comes after almost 600,000 people signed a petition to prevent him from entering the UK.
The Competition and Markets Authority could also launch a probe into a deal, as the monopoly for dangerous rhetoric and bizarre policy announcements is already held by others in the UK.
Mr Trump suggested he was the only candidate capable of uniting the UK pharmacy profession, adding: “If those clowns in the Department of Health can’t get their policies right, you can count on Donald J Trump to make you proud of your profession again.”
Disclaimer: C+D has not verified any of the quotes or facts in this article
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