While Christie & Co did not disclose the total sum paid for Ashby Pharmacy, it revealed that it sold for “well in excess of the guide price”.

Roshban purchased the standard hours branch from Lloydspharmacy in 2019, but ultimately decided to sell it this year to concentrate on its other branches, according to the broker.

The branch's new owner, pharmacist Tech Ding, has “a bright plan for the business’s future”, which includes building on its current success and expanding its service offer. He hopes this will “provide the best quality of care to the local population”.

The pharmacy dispenses an average of 7,636 items per month and C+D understands that current staff will be retained under the new management.

“Enthusiastic” buyer

Mr Ding commented: “Ashby is a well-located high street pharmacy in Scunthorpe, with an excellent customer base and a good level of dispensing activities.

“I am extremely pleased to complete this acquisition and am incredibly excited to see what the future holds.”

Meanwhile, Roshban managing director, Yassir Sharief, said that his company has grown the pharmacy’s business since it took it on from Lloydspharmacy.

Although under Roshban the pharmacy was consolidated into one unit, this occurred “with no detrimental effect to trade”, Mr Sharief added.

“We are pleased that the business is now in the hands of a young and enthusiastic first-time buyer who I am certain will be successful in taking the pharmacy to the next level. We wish Tech and all the staff the very best for the future,” he said.

Roshban has two operating companies – Roshban and Roshban Healthcare –  which jointly oversee an estate of nine pharmacies.