A 7,225-items-per-month pharmacy in Belfast has been sold to a buyer in Glasgow after 30 years in the same ownership.

Ballysillan Pharmacy, which is based three miles north of Belfast city centre and situated close to a local GP surgery, was sold to Glasgow contractor Ron Badger for an undisclosed sum, property adviser Christie & Co said today (September 6).

It has been owned for almost 30 years by Timothy Combe, who plans to retire. 

Mr Badger said he was “delighted” to acquire “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.” 

Christie & Co’s Karl Clezy, 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 Mr Badger, 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.”