Insider Media Limited

Who?

Roger Kirkbride

Did what?

Purchased the share capital of a rural pharmacy in Leicestershire.

What does this mean?

It ensured the service remains open and accessible to villagers. Kirkbride worked for Boots and then as a consultant helping pharmaceutical chains to develop new services, before he recognised the potential of Wymeswold pharmacy. The pharmacy is considered to be an essential service for the area and as such is covered by an essential small pharmacy local pharmaceutical services contract.

Who advised?

Robin Wright, partner in corporate and commercial law at Fraser Brown, advised on the purchase. The buyer also had assistance from accountant Higson & Co.

What does this mean?

Not every deal has to be a multimillion pound acquisition to raise an eyebrow. This was clearly a service required by the local community and it should be applauded that the parties involved had the gumption and common sense to keep it in operation.

Robin Wright, partner in corporate and commercial law at Fraser Brown, said: “This was an interesting transaction for us to work on, especially because of the nature of the purchase. We do a lot of work in more rural communities and recognise the value of services such as these.”

Kirkbride said: “I had worked as a locum in the Wymeswold pharmacy in the past so I knew how important it was to the local area. It is quite unusual to have a pharmacy without a doctor’s surgery nearby and this emphasises its value to the community. It was this that appealed to me as I realised there was real potential to grow the pharmacy and make it somewhere that people could visit for a whole range of health advice.”