HBF sells Friendlies to Pharmacy 777
PRIVATE health insurer, HBF, has sold its Friendlies Pharmacy master franchise to the Perthbased Pharmacy 777 group making it the largest network in Western Australia.
The sale was announced last night as part of an alliance between the insurer and the growing 777 banner, adding an additional 31 pharmacies to the group.
As part of the deal HBF members will be eligible to receive free flu vaccinations and health checks at Pharmacy 777 stores.
HBF CEO, John Van Der Wielen, said the insurer’s members valued the support pharmacists provide, and added that the alliance would enable HBF to offer a broad range of in-pharmacy preventative health services.
“In Pharmacy 777 we’ve found a partner with the same passion as us; to improve the health of Western Australians,” he said.
“This alliance will mean thousands more HBF members will have ready access to the health services that come with HBF membership.”
Pharmacy 777 Managing Director, Kim Brotherson, said the HBF’s focus on patient support made it an natural ally, with the banner group dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy and collaborate with the wider health care network.
“We’re driven to make a difference in the lives of our patients,” Brotherson said.
“For Pharmacy 777, it’s not just about supplying medication, it’s about ensuring we deliver meaningful health outcomes that are built around the needs of every individual patient.”
Under the alliance HBF and Pharmacy 777 will work collaboratively to enhance existing health services and member offerings and introduce new services for HBF members and the wider community.
Prior to yesterday’s announcement, Pharmacy 777 was the second-largest pharmacy network in WA with a network of more than 30 stores, behind the TerryWhite Chemmart group reported to have 49 WA-based franchises in the recently published Review of Pharmacy Ownership in WA report.
Last month the Pharmacy 777 group opened its first franchise in NSW, with Greg Cadorin opening the Pharmacy 777 Albion Park (PD 05 Jul).