Full coverage: Pharmacy

A High Court judge has refused Paddy Digan’s application for summary judgment against the founder of now-defunct Pharmapod over a contentious loan. The dispute sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the company's demise.

Investment by an international consolidator is a welcome boost for prospective M&As and long-term investment in Irish pharmacies, but static revenue and rising costs are squeezing single-unit pharmacies and preventing the next generation of entrepreneurs from entering the sector.

Pharmapod’s assets were sold last year through a pre-pack receivership for around €1.5m. Now, creditors of the Irish software company are poised to wind up the remnants of the company.

Disputes over retail property rents continue to escalate before the courts as Level 5 restrictions bite, this time opposing Boots and Paddy McKillen’s shopping centre vehicle.

Ramona Nicholas and her husband Canice wanted to build an international chain of 100 pharmacies. Instead, confidential documents reveal the true scale of the company’s financial woes, including a history of losses, debt, and creditor default. Can it now be saved?

From a standing start 20 years ago, Ade Stack has built a nationwide chain of 18 pharmacies with more than 200 staff. Stacks Pharmacy has achieved this by by-passing the high street and shopping centres in favour of establishing strong links within local communities.