The CEO of regional chain MSN & Lunts Pharmacy Group Ravi Nagra has added another branch to its portfolio with the purchase of Bicton Heath Pharmacy in Shropshire.

The pharmacy, which dispenses an average of 6,600 items a month according to Christie and Co who brokered the deal, was bought by Nagra for an undisclosed price.

Nagra is also a regional multiple representative of Shropshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee.

MSN & Lunts Pharmacy Group has pharmacies in Shrewsbury, Pontesbury, Craven Arms, Highley, Ludlow in Shropshire, Birmingham and the Black Country.

Christie and Co said Bicton Heath Pharmacy was “formerly corporate-owned” and “was brought to market as part of a wider disposal project.”

Carl Steer, director-pharmacy at Christie and Co, said Nagra’s purchase of Bicton Heath Pharmacy could be a sign that small-to-medium size group operators are returning to “the buying landscape.”

“Increasing numbers of group operators seem to be shaping up to return next year or have already secured deals to complete in Q1/Q2 2025,” Steer said, insisting his firm “is set to record a record year of activity in 2024.”

“Accurate pricing will continue to be key for all sellers but there is certainly a buoyant market across the Midlands, which I am sure is welcome news to would-be sellers,” he said.