The Core Function: Pharmaceutical Wholesaling and Distribution
AAH Pharmaceuticals is the UK's largest pharmaceutical wholesaler. Its main role is to bridge the gap between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers by purchasing, storing, and distributing a wide range of products to over 14,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and dispensing doctors across the country.
Operating from 11 distribution centers and 23 out-base locations, AAH ensures essential medicines are available when and where needed. Their logistics involve handling over 10 million items weekly using more than 900 temperature-controlled 'PharmaVans'. They provide reliable service with up to twice-daily deliveries on weekdays and a Saturday service to all UK dispensing points.
A Diversified Portfolio: Beyond Core Wholesaling
AAH, part of the Hallo Healthcare Group owned by the Aurelius Group, operates alongside sister companies catering to specific market needs.
Specialized Business Units
- Trident: This unit is a leading 'shortline' supplier, offering competitively priced generic and parallel import (PI) medicines to independent pharmacies to support their profitability and market position.
- Enterprise: Focused on the Over-The-Counter (OTC) market, Enterprise supplies independent pharmacies with health and beauty products, fragrances, and General Sales List (GSL) medicines, offering a comprehensive catalogue available via a dedicated e-commerce platform.
This approach allows AAH to provide services tailored to specific customer needs.
Value-Added Services and Digital Innovation
AAH offers technology and support services to improve customer efficiency.
AAH Connect+ and Digital Tools
Among its digital solutions is AAH Connect+, a Patient Medication Record (PMR) package based on the ProScript Connect platform. This system assists pharmacies with managing dispensing, integrating clinical services, utilizing paperless records, and enhancing traceability. For hospitals, AAH offers the Medecator+ e-tool for ordering, checking product availability, and managing invoices.
Comparison of AAH Service Offerings
| Service/Brand | Primary Focus | Target Customer | Key Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAH | Core pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution | All dispensing points (pharmacies, hospitals) | Twice-daily delivery, 22,000+ product lines, cold-chain logistics |
| Trident | Shortline supply of generics and PIs | Independent pharmacies | Competitive pricing on generics, market-driven deals |
| Enterprise | Over-The-Counter (OTC) products | Independent pharmacies | Health & beauty, fragrances, GSL medicines, dedicated OTC e-commerce |
| AAH Connect+ | Integrated digital pharmacy management | Community pharmacies | PMR software, electronic records, clinical service tools, stock management |
A History of Evolution and Market Leadership
AAH, founded in 1892 as a fuels company, transitioned to pharmaceuticals in 1976. A key development was the 1985 acquisition of Vestric Limited, leading to the formation of AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited. The company was part of larger groups like Gehe AG, Celesio, and McKesson. In April 2022, McKesson's UK businesses, including AAH, were acquired by the Aurelius Group and operate as part of the Hallo Healthcare Group. AAH has reportedly increased its customer base and market share since this change.
Conclusion
AAH Pharmaceuticals serves as a critical operational and logistical element of the UK's pharmaceutical supply chain. Beyond its core function of distributing over 22,000 products nationally, AAH utilizes its Trident and Enterprise brands for specialized services. Through digital tools like AAH Connect+, they support pharmacies in improving efficiency and focusing on patient care. For more details, see {Link: AAH Pharmaceuticals website https://www.aah.co.uk/}.
