CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée and CERP Rouen, a company of the Astera cooperative group, announce that they have entered into exclusive discussions with a view to bringing together their pharmaceutical distribution activities. This approach aims to expand the capacity to respond to the needs of pharmacists while preserving a high level of quality of service and close proximity to pharmacies. It could see its realization during the year 2024, following the completion of regulatory procedures.
CERP Rouen and CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée have a parallel history: these two wholesaler-distributors were created respectively in 1919 and 1921 by community pharmacists. They share a similar mode of governance since they are or belong to a group administered by pharmacists. They are independent of any financial or industrial group and subscribe to the same philosophy of service to pharmacies. Both share similar culture, vision and objectives, while being very complementary on a territorial level.
This combining project is part of a common desire to ensure and strengthen a local quality distribution service of drugs to pharmacies by pooling the resources and expertise of the two companies. It would also constitute a mean to adapt more easily to major structural changes in the market.
Discussions between the two companies will continue with the aim of defining the terms of the combination, which could materialize during the year 2024.
In accordance with regulations, the finalization of the project will be subject to consultation with the employees’ representatives of each of the companies, the green light from the Competition Authority and approval by the general meetings concerned.
About CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée:
Since its creation, CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée has contributed every day to the independence, performance and development of French pharmacies.
Created more than 100 years ago by pharmacists keen to improve their supplies, CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée is today one of the main French pharmaceutical wholesalers, whose capital is majority owned by pharmacists.
With a turnover of more than 2.5 billion euros in 2022 and a national market share of 11%*, CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée is the leader in its area of activity: the large eastern part of France.
By delivering several times a day to its 4,000 partner pharmacies through its 25 establishments, CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée contributes daily to ensuring access to medicine for each patient on its territory.
Its ethics, professionalism and proximity constitute the foundation of the partnership of trust between CERP Rhin Rhône Méditerranée and pharmacists.
www.cerp-rrm.com
About CERP Rouen:
CERP Rouen defines itself as a wholesaler close to its customers. A commitment which guarantees the members of Astera, the cooperative group, very high responsiveness: 32 agencies ensure two daily deliveries to pharmacies enabling the freedom of prescription by physicians and easy access to medicines by patients. It thus allows the pharmacist to maintain his essential role as a health professional.
With a 2022 turnover of € 4.7 billion and a market share greater than 21%, it is the second largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in France.
About Astera:
With nearly 6,600 member pharmacists, 32 distribution agencies in France, a turnover of 6.4 billion euros in 2022, Astera is the first cooperative group of pharmacists in France. Created more than 100 years ago by pharmacists, Astera defends a unique model where each pharmacist is an owner and customer of the group. The investments are geared towards the expectations and needs of pharmacists, the results are shared.
https://astera.coop
(*source : GERS)
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