The sales were flat on 2019, and the network increased to more than 850 pharmacies, the company said.
“We will continue expansion plans through acquisitions in 2021, as well, to get to those areas we are not covering yet. We will also invest in the professional and personal development of our team, in technology and in upgrades,” said Alina Marinescu, general manager of Catena.
Catena added nine pharmacies last year, and the network is currently employing more than 5,500 people. The pandemic changed the patient behavior, as people postponed or avoided trips to their doctors for checkups for fear of getting sick.
This affected sales in pharmacies, as physicians issued fewer prescriptions.
Catena brand was established in 1998, following acquisition by entrepreneur Anca Vlad of a 30-pharmacy network in Pitesti, Arges County, which also had a warehouse. The entrepreneur has constantly consolidated the business through opening and buying new pharmacies and turned the regional network into a national chain.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)