In a move that expands its distribution service, Adcock Ingram Healthcare has acquired Virtual Logistics, a national and cross border transportation company.
Already well-established as a logistics operator, Adcock Ingram is the only local pharmaceutical company to offer a full service direct to customers, delivering nationally to wholesalers, hospitals, pharmacies and even patients at home.
“The acquisition brings us closer to realising our strategic vision of owning a fully compliant network. It makes us one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the country,” says Tobie Krige, managing director of the distribution division.
He says Virtual Logistics has an extensive national footprint across South Africa with tailored solutions for hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, healthcare practices and general retail delivery outlets.
“The expanded footprint will complement our operational reach and capacity, allowing for improved service levels to customers.”
Virtual Logistics currently services over 3 000 destinations – about half of that of Adcock Ingram. “The expansion will allow greater choice in ‘route to market’ for all industry stakeholders,” says Krige. “This is of particular importance in the pharmaceutical industry where compliance requirements are non-negotiable.”
He adds that Adcock Ingram’s owner-driver enterprise development initiative will gain critical mass as the two companies’ resources are combined under a new structure, helping to achieve transformation objectives.
