Apollo Hospitals to hive off pharmacy, digital biz

Chennai: Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, controlled by the Prathap Reddy family, has announced a significant reorganisation where its pharmacy distribution and digital health operations will be carved out into a separate entity. This new entity, Apollo Healthtech, will seek listing on stock exchanges over the next 18 to 21 months, with current Apollo Hospitals shareholders receiving proportionate shares in the new company. The deal will create a leading omni-channel pharmacy distribution and digital health platform in India with revenues of Rs 16,300 crore ($1.9 billion), Apollo Hospitals said in a statement. Currently, Apollo Healthco (AHL) manages the wholesale pharmaceutical trading and Apollo 24/7 digital platform, while Keimed oversees wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals and wellness products. Apollo Hospitals holds about 79% ownership in AHL, and Keimed operates as a related party to Apollo Hospitals.The share allocation structure stipulates that for every 100 shares held in Apollo Hospitals, shareholders will receive 195.2 shares in the new company. AHL shareholders will get 89.5 shares for every 100 shares owned, while Keimed shareholders will receive 3045.2 shares for every 100 shares held. Following the completion of this demerger, both AHL and Keimed will cease to exist.Under the agreement terms, Apollo Hospitals shall restrict its pharmaceutical operations exclusively to hospital-based pharmacies, refraining from any involvement in e-commerce, retail or wholesale pharmacy ventures. Veda Corporate Advisors was the exclusive financial advisor to the transaction.The new company, Apollo Healthtech, will subsequently acquire 74.5% stake in Apollo Medicals, consolidating the front-end pharmacy business. Apollo Hospitals will own a 15% stake in Apollo Healthtech and will have one nominee director on the board, the Chennai-based company said. Apollo Hospitals chairman Prathap C Reddy, said: "Today's developments mark the beginning of the next chapter of Apollo Hospitals. The omnichannel pharmacy business and integrated digital healthcare ecosystem will be a unique model to enable access to high-quality healthcare for millions of Indians."Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025, messages and quotes!