The acquisition positions McKesson UK as a “standalone” business owned and financially backed by Aurelius, the company wrote in an announcement this morning (April 7).

 

“The UK business, formerly part of McKesson Corporation, will operate the whole of its businesses as normal and will continue its mission to become the UK’s leading omni-channel healthcare provider,” it added.

 

Apart from Lloydspharmacy and wholesaler AAH, other businesses that have been transferred to Aurelius’ ownership include the prescription app Lloydsdirect and the central London pharmacy John Bell & Croyden.

 

Aurelius promised there would be “a smooth transition” as McKesson UK parts company with its US parent McKesson Corporation.

 

Under the new ownership, McKesson UK hopes to “expedite its business transformation strategy, including digital transformation”, push forward its sustainability agenda and build on its “reputation as a trusted healthcare provider and partner for the NHS”.

 

When asked by C+D whether there will be staff and branding changes now the sale is complete, McKesson reaffirmed that the UK arm “will operate the whole of its businesses as normal”.

 

 

McKesson UK “on a mission”

 

 

McKesson UK CEO Toby Anderson said the acquisition will allow the company to be “more agile” and build on the progress it has already made in “delivering our business strategy”.

 

“We are on a mission to become the UK’s leading omni-channel healthcare provider and our new relationship with Aurelius means we will reach that aspiration sooner,” Mr Anderson added.

 

McKesson announced in November last year that it had sold off its UK businesses to Aurelius Group for £477 million.

 

Meanwhile, McKesson sold some of its non-UK European businesses to the Phoenix Group in July last year.