The acquisition of the two Chester pharmacies – which were previously owned by W S Young Ltd – brings the number of Hub branches up to 21, the group announced on Tuesday (November 1).

The pharmacies are co-located with GPs in purpose-built health centres in the Boughton area of Chester. 

Both pharmacies will see “substantial investment”, with refurbishments, IT updates, new services and the introduction of consultation rooms, the Hub pharmacy said.

All staff – apart from former owner Bill Young and one pharmacy manager, who are both retiring – will keep their jobs, the group said.

Hub pharmacy CEO Steve Jeffers said the group is looking forward to working with Mr Young's "excellent staff".

Mr Young said they chose to pass their business onto the Hub Pharmacy because it has "extensive experience" operating community pharmacies and will "enhance the service offering to our patients". 

The Hub Pharmacy aims to expand its business “substantially” over the next three years, it added.

Mr Jeffers told C+D last year the company hopes to oversee 40 branches by 2025. The company has already bought 10 pharmacies this year, including six Halifax-based pharmacies in July.