A pharmacy in Dundee that was put up for sale because of a shortage of pharmacists in the area has been bought by a small chain.

Christie and Co, who brokered the deal, said St Mary’s Pharmacy, which is operated by locums, dispenses about 4,500 items a month. It was acquired from John Ross (Chemists) Ltd for an undisclosed fee by Davidsons Chemist, which owns more than 50 pharmacies in Scotland.

“I am delighted to acquire this pharmacy for Davidsons Chemists, taking the group to 51 across Scotland. Our plans are to continue to grow the chain and have a medium-term target of 60 pharmacies,” said Davidsons Chemists managing director Allan Gordon.

Karl Clezy, director-medical at Christie & Co who handled the sale, said: “Despite staffing issues, particularly in this part of Scotland, we still attracted three offers for this business. This purchase for Davidsons Chemist made sense as they also operate several other pharmacies in the Dundee area.”