Co-op Acquires Dimec

Four years after selling its pharmacy stores, Co-op is re-entering the pharmacy business with the acquisition of Dimec, a healthcare start-up founded in 2013 by two pharmacists, which enables patients and their doctors to interact and better manage their prescription needs.

The 5-person team was acquired for an undisclosed sum by Co-op Ventures, the new innovation unit established to develop challenger Co-op businesses and designed to disrupt markets in which the Co-op does not currently operate.

“The acquisition of Dimec allows us to accelerate the development of our healthcare proposition, and provides the technology required to ensure customers can interact with their NHS GP more conveniently. The clear focus for our Ventures team is to target markets where there are unmet customer needs and where our Co-op difference adds real value using innovative digital business models. We’ll do it with a brand that we know people trust. Our healthcare offer will be designed for convenience and to meet the increasingly complex health and wellbeing needs of people as they live longer. The acquisition of Dimec is a core element in delivering this ambition and we’ll be providing more detail early next year in terms of our of wider customer offer.” – Director of Co-op Ventures, Tim Davies.