The pharmaceutical wholesale sector, however, attracted foreign investors that put several hundred million euros on the table for such local businesses.
Market leader Mediplus, part of the A&D Pharma group, which also includes the Sensiblu retail pharmacy chain, posted 2.6% lower revenue in 2017. A&D Pharma was acquired by Czech Republic’s Penta Investments in a deal put at EUR350 million – EUR400 million at the end of 2017.
The second largest pharmaceutical wholesaler is Farmexpert, held by Walgreens Boots Alliance, which posted about RON3 billion revenue last year, according to ZF estimates based on the data supplied by the company’s officials.
Third leading wholesaler is Fildas, held by Anca Vlad, whose revenue went up 8% to RON2.6 billion in 2017.
The pharmaceutical wholesale market is estimated at more than RON23 billion and there are more than 1,600 companies operating in the sector. (EUR1=RON4.6485)
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)