Help Net Farma, the company operating one of the biggest pharmacy networks on the market, registered 100% sales growth during the March 2005-March 2006 period compared with the previous similar period.
"The sales we logged were generated both by a process of quantitative growth, by the opening of new outlets, as well as by a qualitative growth secured by a process of activity reorganisation and efficiency boosting," states Isabelle Iacob, general manager of Help Net pharmacy network. She also says demand for dermatocosmetic products is rising.
In the first three months of this year, Help Net business expanded by approximately 50% to 8.5 million euros.
"Our patients are showing growing interest in dermatocosmetics, which in a pharmacy come with the additional advantage of an expert recommendation. Thus, we expect this product segment to account for 20% of turnover this year, and the sales we've registered so far reinforce our expectations," states Isabelle Iacob.
For this year, the company has budgeted turnover worth 47.5 million euros, 80% higher than the figure posted in 2005.
In 2006, the budget allocated for development investments stands at 1.5 million euros, with Help Net's management intending to own anywhere between 110-120 pharmacies by the end of this year. Currently, there are 92 Help Net pharmacies countrywide, of which 47 are in Bucharest.
"Help Net is a strong brand, which, due to its dynamism and growth, has drawn the attention of not only one, but several companies that are interested in either an acquisition, or a strategic alliance," Isabelle Iacob also said.
Help Net officials stated they were not considering contracting a banking loan for the time being since they say the company has the necessary resources to back a viable development plan. Asked by ZF if Help Net will contract loans from banks to fina
