As of July 20, 2025, CEF and Unico have officially merged into Q Farma, the new company established back in February specifically to facilitate the union of Italy’s two largest pharmacist-owned pharmaceutical distributors. In April, CEF transitioned its distribution operations to Q Farma (while maintaining its brand for remaining assets). On July 20, Unico SpA followed suit, completing its integration and formally ceasing to exist as a separate entity.
“With this merger,” a press release stated, “Italy’s largest cooperative pharmaceutical distribution group has taken shape, aiming to empower independent pharmacies by ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and professional autonomy in a market increasingly dominated by vertically integrated private corporations. It’s called Q Farma, but it’s synonymous with CU — the initials of CEF and Unico.”
The final act of the merger was previously announced in a letter from Unico’s President Giuseppe Franzan and CEO Paolo Agostinelli, sent to shareholders and partner pharmacies. “This step is key to reinforcing our cooperative model,” they wrote. “We’re building a stronger, united system to protect our shared values and support independent pharmacies nationwide.”
The announcement came just days after news broke in Pharmacy Scanner that the Antitrust Authority was close to approving the merger, pending certain measures to address monopoly concerns in about ten local markets. On Friday, Q Farma representatives confirmed that the Competition Authority had given the green light, though detailed conditions will be disclosed once the final resolution is released.
Meanwhile, Q Farma launches with:
- 👥 2,000 employees
- 🏢 20 operational sites
- 💶 €2.5 billion in combined turnover
- 💊 12,000 serviced pharmacies
- 🧑⚕️ Over 3,800 pharmacist-members, 1,200 of whom belong to affiliated networks
Ownership is split between CEF (51%) and the five cooperatives formerly part of Unico (49%), including Unione Farmaceutica Novarese, Codifarma, Unione Farmacisti del Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Cosifar.
“The launch of Q Farma marks a new chapter,” the press release added, “bringing together diverse histories and expertise under a united vision. The foundation of this next phase rests on three pillars:
- 🚀 Efficiency and sustainability through process optimization
- 🧠 Enhanced offerings by combining the best of both organizations
- 🏛️ A bold identity to represent and protect independent pharmacy professionalism”
The new group calls on pharmacists to play an active role. As CEF wrote to its partners: “Every order placed with Q Farma isn’t just a routine transaction — it’s an investment in your future, the strength of your pharmacy, and a business model built on your continued trust.”
Unico’s letter echoed the sentiment: “In the coming days, you’ll receive detailed operational instructions with updated company info, contact details, and technical guidance. We understand that transitions may require adjustments, but our goal remains unchanged: to maintain the quality of service and the trust-based relationship we’ve built together.”
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