North-east pharmacy chain A&L Porter, trading as Porter Pharmacy, has unveiled two new acquisitions as part of ongoing expansion.
The company, which is owned and led by husband-and-wife team Andy and Lynne Porter, now operates seven pharmacies.
Five new jobs have been created through the latest acquisitions, taking the number of people on the payroll to 73.
It felt like the right time and the right opportunity to expand the business further.”
Andy Porter, co-owner, Porter Pharmacies
The new sites are both in Westhill, adding to the Porters’ four pharmacies in Aberdeen and another in Cove Bay.
Mr and Mrs Porter – both qualified pharmacists – met while studying at Robert Gordon University.
After a number of years working for national pharmacy companies they decided to set up their own business. It got off the ground in 2006, when they purchased their first pharmacy in Bridge of Don.
The chain now has other sites in Aberdeen – in Kincorth and Sheddocksley, with another on Holburn Street, as well as in Cove Bay.
No value was given for the deal to buy the two Westhill sites, both former Lloyds Pharmacy branches. They are in Westhill Shopping Centre and Arnhall Business Park.
But the Porters said their latest acquisition was backed by Bank of Scotland funding.
24-hour prescription collection plans for Westhill
The Westhill pharmacies will be rebranded under the Porter umbrella.
Mr and Mrs Porter, both 43, have already introduced a new delivery service and plan to further enhance the services of their two latest outlets.
This is an important moment for Porter Pharmacy.”
Andy Porter
They have also applied for planning permission for a 24-hour prescription collection kiosk in the Westhill Shopping Centre pharmacy.
The couple said they would make a “significant” investment in refitting both sites.
Mr Porter said: “This is an important moment for Porter Pharmacy.
“Having started our first independent business in 2006, it felt like the right time and the right opportunity to expand the business further.
“We’ve always been focused on providing the best pharmacy for our customers and we will do everything to ensure they receive a service that is practical, convenient and reliable.”
Law firm’s key role
Aberdein Considine (AC) played a key role in the business expansion.
Ritchie Whyte, partner and head of corporate at the Aberdeen-based law firm, and associate Danny Anderson provided legal support for the financing and acquisition.
And AC partners Gemma Perfect and Nicola Gray provided legal support on commercial property and employment law matters respectively.
Andy and Lynne have built a fantastic business.”
Ritchie Whyte, partner and head of corporate, Aberdein Considine
Mr Whyte said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Andy and Lynne over the last few years and in particular on these milestone acquisitions, which are hugely important not just for the business but also for the local community.
“Andy and Lynne have built a fantastic business focused first and foremost on providing an excellent service to their customers across Aberdeen city and shire.
“We wish them every success with the new pharmacies and look forward to continuing to support them and the business moving forward.”
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