Allcures enters administration as 15 pharmacies sold in pre-pack deal, nearly 100 jobs saved

Allcures PLC, a UK independent pharmacy operator, entered administration on 29 October 2026, with Glen Carter and Joe Barry of RSM UK appointed joint administrators. A pre-packaged sale of 15 pharmacies across Essex, East Sussex and Somerset to Wellcare Pharmacy Group preserved nearly 100 jobs and ensured the continuation of NHS prescription services. The transaction, arranged by Christie & Co, expanded Wellcare's portfolio from 43 to 58 pharmacies, while Allcures' remaining 18 branches in northern England continue operating outside the administration.

The administration follows a deterioration in Allcures' financial performance, with the company reporting a loss of approximately £508,000 for the year ended 30 September 2025, compared with just £7,000 the previous year. According to industry reporting, Lloyds Bank held security over the southern pharmacies included in the sale and registered a new all-assets debenture on 19 October, just 10 days before the administration, while Shawbrook held security over the northern branches. The purchase price and anticipated creditor recoveries have not been disclosed.

The proceedings also involve five associated companies placed into administration on 29 October: Newhaven Pharmacies Limited, L. Cameron & Son Limited, Wellbrooke Products Limited, Preddy Newco Limited and Hassengate EA Limited. The pre-pack transaction allowed the southern pharmacies to transfer to Wellcare without interruption to patient services, while the administrators address the remaining affairs of the insolvent companies.

Carter said the sale had secured the future of the 15 pharmacies and protected nearly 100 employees, while Anup Patel, managing director of Wellcare, welcomed the acquisition as an opportunity to expand the group's operations.