An independent pharmacist has made his first move into pharmacy ownership after buying Bishop Waltham Pharmacy near Southampton.

Madhu Bhogadi said he was “delighted to have acquired” the pharmacy and insisted he was “looking forward to growing” it and ensuring it is “an integral part of the local community for many years to come”.

Christie and Co who brokered the deal said the pharmacy provides NHS and private services and dispenses an average of 6,200 items a month.

The business, which was sold for an undisclosed price, had been owned by Matrix Primary Healthcare Ltd, an independent pharmacy chain that has branches in the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Northamptonshire, South Gloucestershire and Devon.

Matrix Pharmacy Healthcare Ltd director Akwal Singh said: “It took us a while to decide to market one of our off-patch pharmacies, albeit confidentially, as we haven't sold a business in many years.

“We were fortunate to attract strong interest in the pharmacy from the start and I'm delighted with how things went. We're extremely pleased with the outcome and do not doubt that Madhu will be able to take the business to new heights.”