The number of LloydsPharmacy branches has grown to 1,800 following the transfer of Sainsbury’s pharmacies to the group. All 281 Sainsbury’s pharmacies, including four hospital pharmacies, are now LloydsPharmacy branches as part of a transaction agreed last year between J Sainsbury Plc and Celesio UK. 

The 2,500 new people joining the LloydsPharmacy were greeted with a welcome card and video message from Celesio’s managing director Cormac Tobin, and each pharmacy linked to a ‘buddy’ LloydsPharmacy store. Full integration of the business is likely to take several months.

Mr Tobin welcomed new team members, saying: “Sainsbury’s is a fantastic fit for us, we share similar values and aspirations and we are both passionate about excellent customer service and making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Together we will create even greater opportunities and give our customers and patients compelling reasons to come back to us time and time again.”