Change of ownership for north Belfast pharmacy

A Belfast pharmacy has been sold in a deal supported by business property adviser Christie & Co.

Ballysillan Pharmacy is a community pharmacy located on a shopping parade on Oldpark Road, approximately three miles north of Belfast city centre and close to the GP surgery.

The business has been owned by Timothy Combe for almost 30 years and was recently brought to market so he could retire. Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, it has been sold to Ron Badger, an independent operator based in Glasgow who has lined up a local pharmacist to run the branch.

Ron Badger said: “It is a business which ticks all the boxes for me. Tim and the staff have been an integral part of the community for many years, and we look forward to continuing his great work.”

Karl Clezy, director for medical at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “This was a well-run, busy pharmacy that played an important role in providing care to the local community. Although trading successfully, there is scope for the new owner to introduce more services that will improve patient care further. We received several bids for this pharmacy from experienced pharmacy operators in Northern Ireland.”

Craig Dickson, director at Christie Finance, who sourced funding for the buyer, said: “I’ve worked with Ron on several pharmacy acquisitions, and he has a number of plans for the business moving forward including increasing the opening hours and adding a 24-hour prescription collection point.

“I’ve no doubt with Ron’s experience and track record within the sector the pharmacy will go from strength to strength.”