Morrisons has sold around 10 of its pharmacies after announcing plans earlier this year to make the business more financially sustainable, C+D can exclusively reveal.
The supermarket chain confirmed today that more branches are progressing through the sales process, but there is no specific deadline to complete the sales.
C+D previously reported in February that Morrisons had put a significant number of its 120 in-store pharmacies up for sale, but the company has not confirmed exactly how many it intends to sell.
Read more: Morrisons to sell significant number of pharmacies - one by one
It was also reported in February that Morrisons would not be selling all of its pharmacies, and that those sold would remain in-store and open, but with a different name above the door.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register currently lists 98 pharmacies named Morrisons Pharmacy and owned by either WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited or W M Morrison Supermarkets Plc.
C+D understands that as of October 2, Morrisons has more than 98 pharmacies and there will be more sales to follow the around 10 already completed.
Read more: PDA to ‘support’ Morrisons staff amid pharmacy sale review
It also understands that there will be no impact on customers as all pharmacies will continue to trade as normal within Morrisons’ supermarkets, with staff moved over to the new owner under transfer of undertakings (protection of employment) regulations, known as TUPE.
Morrisons declined to comment on the exact number of pharmacies sold or progressing through the sales process, or the locations of these pharmacies.
It follows C+D exclusively revealing last October that Morrisons was considering selling some of its pharmacies as part of a review of their performance.
Read more: Exclusive: Morrisons considering selling pharmacies amid review
The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) said at the time that it “will support members who may be affected” by the news.
And last week, the PDA reiterated its support for Morrisons pharmacists and those going through the TUPE process.
Read more: Revealed: Which Morrisons pharmacy locations are closing?
The Company Chemists’ Association told C+D it does “not comment on the commercial decisions of our individual members”.
But back in February, CCA chief executive Malcolm Harrison said Morrisons’ plans to sell a number of pharmacies was “another stark reminder of the huge financial strain that the community pharmacy sector is under”.
It comes after Morrisons announced four of its pharmacies across England were set to close their doors for good in March 2025.
