Pharmacy Backfill Opportunity
What is a Backfill Pharmacy?
Independent pharmacies sold in haste to publicly traded chains present a unique business opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to re-establish a new independent pharmacy in that same community near the original location. Typically, the seller signs a non-compete agreement restricting their ability to open another pharmacy within a certain geographic area of the original location for a set period of time. Under most scenarios, however, the pharmacist in charge or longtime staff is NOT encumbered with a non-compete agreement. Some buyer asset or stock purchase agreements contain language that will pay the seller for business that the buyer retains upon closing. When purchasing products or services, patients welcome choice. Many would welcome a new independent pharmacy that employs much of the familiar staff that they have come to appreciate and trust. Lenders that understand the pharmacy marketplace, will strongly consider financing a backfill where the entrepreneur presents with appropriate business plan and personal financial credentials. Opening a new pharmacy near a recently closed independent is called a backfill pharmacy.
The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Notice of Closing Pharmacies = Backfill Opportunity
NCPDP updates its list of recently closed pharmacies every 30 days. NCPA will maintain and update this list so entrepreneurial pharmacists can investigate opportunities to expand her operations or open a new \backfill location.
Finding Buyers - NCPA Rapid Response Team
Pharmacies may become available with short to no notice. Sellers are looking to quickly exit the marketplace. The choice of buyer is not limited to publicly traded chains. TARS should be prepared to bring alternative buyers to their accounts. Upon notification, NCPA will quickly search IPMS for buyers and share state specific contact information for ownership workshop attendees.
NCPA Rapid Response Contacts
NCPA Membership Application
The National Community Pharmacists Association, founded in 1898 as, represents the pharmacist owners, managers, and employees of nearly 23,000 independent community pharmacies across the United States. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent pharmacy franchises, and independent chains dispense nearly half of the nation's retail prescription medicines.