Frenchwood Pharmacy in Preston, Lancashire, purchased by first-time buyer, Hamza Khan of HAK Locum, who has worked as a locum previously.

The standard-hours community pharmacy dispenses around 4,600 items per month and was owned by ZS Retail for five years.

It was recently brought to market to allow the directors to pursue other interests outside of the sector.

Following a confidential sales process with Tom Young at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Alena Ray at Christie Finance, it has been purchased by Khan, who plans to offer a hands-on approach as an owner-operator and expand the services on offer.

Khan said: “I am very pleased with my first pharmacy business and look forward to welcoming new and existing customers.

“I have been looking for a pharmacy for a while and Frenchwood seemed like a perfect fit from the moment I first saw it.”

Young added: “Lancashire remains a hotspot for pharmacy buyers, with a high demand from well-funded buyers.

“Operators in the county are keen to expand and there are many first-time buyers looking to acquire in the area.

“This business attracted strong interest and we are delighted to confirm the sale to Hamza who secures his first pharmacy.”

And Ray said: “Healthcare is a buoyant sector and I am supporting an increased number of first-time buyers entering the market.

“Hamza brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to maintaining the pharmacy’s legacy while introducing innovative solutions to continue serving the community.

“The acquisition of Frenchwood Pharmacy is a significant milestone for Hamza and I wish him and the team all the success.”

Frenchwood Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.