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Pharmacy draws mid‑market private equity amid steady demand

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Pharmacy continues to attract US mid‑market private‑equity firms, according to Bass, Berry & Sims partners Mike Hess and Dawn Perez‑Slavinski. They argue the sector’s resilience stems from its direct link to patients’ need for safe, on‑time medication, insulating it from reimbursement volatility and delivery‑model disruption. Investors therefore view pharmacy as a defensible, cash‑generating niche, and offers steady dividend potential for long‑term investors.

Unlike hospitals or telehealth platforms that swing with policy shifts, pharmacy revenues remain anchored by prescription volume, a metric that rarely contracts even in economic downturns. This stability enables private‑equity sponsors to apply modest leverage and still achieve attractive internal rates of return, making deals in the $50‑$200 million range especially appealing, while preserving downside protection for lenders.

The argument resonates as firms scramble for assets that can weather inflationary pressure and shifting payer mixes. By targeting independent chains or regional distributors, investors tap into a fragmented market ripe for consolidation, driving cost efficiencies and cross‑selling opportunities. Consequently, pharmacy remains a go‑to play for mid‑market funds seeking predictable cash flow, making it a defensible pillar in portfolio construction.