McKesson to purchase the pharmaceutical distribution division of UDG Healthcare

Published: 18-Sep-2015
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Acquisition will add a leader in pharmaceutical distribution across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to McKesson’s European business


McKesson, a leading international healthcare services and information technology company, has agreed to purchase the pharmaceutical distribution division of UDG Healthcare (UDG) based in Northern Ireland (United Drug Sangers) and the Republic of Ireland (United Drug).

Under the terms of the agreement, McKesson will acquire United Drug and United Drug Sangers, leading wholesale operations across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, TCP, a leading home healthcare provider in the Republic of Ireland, and MASTA, UDG’s travel healthcare business based in the UK.

The transaction is subject to UDG shareholder approval and EU competition clearance, among other customary closing conditions, and is expected to complete in the first half of calendar year 2016.

More than 1000 UDG employees will join McKesson as part of the acquisition. The acquired operations will be reported as part of McKesson’s International Pharmaceutical Distribution and Services business under the leadership of Marc Owen, Chairman of the Management Board at Celesio, the European business within McKesson’s Distribution Solutions segment.

Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Paul C. Julian, Executive Vice President and Group President for McKesson Distribution Solutions, said: ‘We are extremely pleased to announce the execution of an agreement to add the pharmaceutical distribution business and other healthcare assets of UDG to McKesson’s European business. At McKesson, we are committed to providing our customers with more efficient delivery of healthcare products and services globally.’

Marc Owen, Chairman of the Management Board at Celesio, added: ‘The acquisition of UDG’s pharmaceutical distribution, home and travel healthcare businesses will strengthen our position in the industry. We look forward to continuing UDG’s tradition of excellent customer service and to working with the UDG team.’

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