A health centre pharmacy in Southampton has been sold to a local pharmacy group for an undisclosed amount.

Blackthorn Pharmacy, which dispenses 25,000 items a month according to Christie and Co who brokered the deal, was sold to Rosechem Limited which has pharmacies in Hampshire and Surrey.

Patrick Stephens, the pharmacy’s previous owner, announced its sale and his retirement on Facebook. He had been at the pharmacy for 27 years and insisted the business had “grown significantly.”

“I was keen to retire and for someone to take over my business. I am sure the buyer will be successful and will continue to grow the business and build on the great relationships we have created,” he said.

Jonathan Board, director-medical at Christie and Co who handled the sale, said Blackthorn Pharmacy “sits in the top five per cent in terms of volume in the UK.”

“The market continues to recognise and respond to quality pharmacies. Despite ongoing operational challenges in the marketplace, it is showing remarkable resilience and there remains significant demand for well-established and well-located pharmacies such as this one,” he said.