Knights Pharmacy acquires Cecil Jones Pharmacy Group
Knights Pharmacy has added four pharmacies located in south Wales to its chain, taking its portfolio up to almost 100 branches, it has been announced.
The addition of the Cecil Jones Pharmacy Group – which was established in 1955 as and is a family-owned business – means that Knights now operates 98 community pharmacies in England and Wales.
The acquisition of the four Cecil Jones branches adds to Knights Pharmacy’s expansion in south Wales.
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Last year, the independent multiple bought the Pearn’s Pharmacies group – a 20-pharmacy chain located in south Wales.
Cecil Jones: A “great cultural fit”
Corporate lawyers at Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham advised Knights on the acquisition of Cecil Jones.
Irwin Mitchell solicitor Tom Wisniewski said: “Knights has almost 100 pharmacies in the group, and this is another important milestone for its ambitious growth plans for the future.
“The business prides itself on serving the local community and following its values as a family-run firm, ensuring all customers are treated as individuals and receive the highest level of service. Cecil Jones provides a great cultural fit as it shares these values and I have no doubt they will be a great addition to the group.”
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Knights director Anand Sodha said: “Cecil Jones is another family run group of pharmacies made up of teams that have patient care at their centre just like Knights.
“After getting to know the business and having met our new colleagues, it’s clear they will fit in well with the rest of the Knights family.”
In response to C+D's question on whether the staff at Cecil Jones will be retained, Knights superintendent pharmacist Peter Horrocks said: “As with all acquisitions, the teams that work within the pharmacy are critically important to the service and wellbeing of our patients. We look forward to working with and supporting our new colleagues.”
Knights Pharmacy is not “focused” on a set target number of pharmacies to add to its chain, but rather on the “quality and sustainability of the business”, Mr Horrocks added.
