Uniphar acquires TouchStore

Uniphar, an Irish pharmaceutical distribution company, has completed the acquisition of TouchStore, a Limerick-based supplier of pharmacy and retail management software. Although financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal finalizes Uniphar's strategy to enhance its digital offerings within Ireland's pharmacy sector. This acquisition, concluded in January 2026, aligns with Uniphar's goal of accelerating digital innovation in healthcare services.

TouchStore, founded in 2001 by Gerard Cassidy, specializes in pharmacy management software and serves over 700 clients throughout Ireland, including notable brands such as McCabes and Haven. Cassidy's background in the pharmacy business, augmented by a history of owning and subsequently exiting from several pharmacies, informed his development of TouchStore to meet the specific needs of the sector. The company has since grown into the most rapidly expanding provider of such software solutions in the country.

The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Uniphar, which aims to integrate TouchStore's software capabilities with its existing supply chain services. According to Ian Madden, managing director of Uniphar’s supply chain and retail division, this integration offers pharmacies a more efficient way to manage operations. "Combining our supply chain expertise with TouchStore’s software creates a compelling proposition," he noted, suggesting that the enhanced platform will allow pharmacies to streamline services, reduce costs, and optimize inventory management.

TouchStore will continue to operate as an independent entity under Uniphar’s ownership, with Gerard Cassidy retaining his role as managing director. Cassidy commented on the acquisition, highlighting the opportunities for further innovation that Uniphar's support will provide as digital operations become increasingly prioritized within the sector, particularly by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In the broader market context, the acquisition underscores a notable shift towards digitization within the pharmacy sector in Ireland, a trend driven by the need for greater efficiency and technological integration. This move by Uniphar may set the tone for competitors to evaluate similar investments in digital solutions to remain competitive. Looking ahead, the ongoing challenge will be aligning technological advances with regulatory frameworks and industry standards, critical in ensuring a seamless integration of digital operations in healthcare delivery.