Mayo connection to Uniphar’s acquisition of TouchStore
TouchStore - Ireland’s most innovative pharmacy technology provider, headed up by majority shareholder and managing director, Claremorris native Gerard Cassidy - has been acquired by Irish multinational pharmaceutical company Uniphar.
Based in Limerick, TouchStore is the fastest-growing provider of pharmacy and retail management software in Ireland.
“For over two decades, TouchStore has been a trusted provider of retail solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. Our point of sale systems are feature rich, yet affordable and designed to meet the evolving needs of retail stores.
“Our lengthy track record as a proven point of sale solutions provider is driven by simplicity of use, uncompromised customer service and continuous product innovation,” explained Gerard Cassidy.
The pharmacy business is in Gerard’s blood as both his parents, Colm and Kathleen Cassidy, operated chemist shops in Claremorris, Ballindine, Shannon town, Limerick and Ennis.
Gerard, the eldest of a family of nine, was born in Claremorris and educated there until the Cassidy family moved to create a new business in the fledgling Shannon town. He operated a number of successful pharmacies before selling out to Boots and McCabes retail chains.
He saw an opportunity to develop management software applications and systems for pharmacies, and established TouchStore in 2001. Today the company has over 700 customers nationwide serving well-known brands as McCabes, Haven, O’Sullivan and CommCare.
Gerard’s brother Patrick is the renowned international composer and like their mother Kathleen and brother Frank are regular visitors to Claremorris and remain avid Mayo GAA supporters.
“At Uniphar, our overall goal is to provide community pharmacy with the business supports and services they need to grow their business, simplify their operations, reduce their costs and, most importantly, free up pharmacy teams to spend more time meeting the clinical needs of customers. This is why we acquired TouchStore,” stated Ian Madden, managing director, Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail.
Gerard is delighted with the sale and to hear of Uniphar’s plans to progress the company further. “I’m also pleased with the seamless transition of the merger between both companies and that our 35 employees are retained in their positions.
“The deal is a perfect fit for the two parties. Wishing Ian and his team continued success.”
Gerard will remain on as company chairman and attend board meetings.
“Our investment in TouchStore allows us to bring pharmacies smarter, simpler solutions for dispensary and retail operations. The acquisition is just the first step in designing and building a system that has a genuine positive impact for pharmacy teams and businesses across the country.
“Our goal is to make this transition smooth and fully supported.
“This investment underlines our long-term commitment to Irish community pharmacy and will support our new world-class distribution facility, opening this year,” added Ian.