Thus, Mediplus, leader of the local drug wholesale market, posted 3% lower sales in 2014, at 3.16 billion lei (EUR711 million), while the sales of Sensiblu, the second largest drugstore network in Romania, were down 4% to RON1.25 billion.
The decrease comes while the sales of medicines in Romania rose 7% in 2014, but the portfolio of the two companies also includes cosmetic products and various medical devices.
Mediplus accounted for a continuous sales growth between 2009 and 2013, with more than RON1 billion, while Sensiblu also registered a drop in sales back in 2011.
On the other hand, Mediplus’ net profit was three-fold higher in 2014, at RON44 million, while Sensiblu switched to a net profit of RON8 million, after RON39 million loss in 2013.
Two years ago, A&D Pharma CEO Robert Popescu said the company will pay more attention to profitability and put expansion in standby. Thus, Sensiblu’s network stood at over 400 units and lost top position among pharmaceutical retailers. In turn, Catena exceeded 500 units, while Dona and Help Net continued to expand and develop rebranding campaign.
One the other hand, A&D Pharma increased its network of Punkt units, namely the low-cost retail brand of the group which A&D Pharma shareholders decided to bring to Bucharest’s crowded districts, Crangasi, Militari, Obor and Berceni.
In January, A&D Pharma operated two Punkt pharmacies, so that it has come to open at least four pharmacies each month. Mihaela Dumitrescu, Punkt operating officer, in January told ZF the new concept was created for low and medium-income persons.
Part of pharmacies opened under Punkt brand operates in the locations of former Sensiblu units. Punkt pharmacies are operated by AA Farma Leader company, 99.9% owned by Sensiblu.
A&D Pharma also has a marketing & sales unit, promoting products of companies indirectly operating on the local market or that outsourced this service. Thus, A&D Pharma Marketing & Sales registered sales of RON193 million in 2014, up 4% on year, while losses stood at RON5 million.
(English version by Manuela Panescu)