In yet another move which demonstrates the extraordinary levels of confidence in the Alitam ‘Pharmacy of the Future’ concept, senior financier Zachary Brech today joins Alitam as Chief Financial Officer.
This comes at a pivotal time for the Alitam Group, which boasts an extremely talented and diverse board of directors; all of whom are focused on strong organic growth, and a vigorous acquisition programme. Zac will be instrumental in writing financial models and plans as Alitam looks to acquire an additional 100+ stores over the next two years.
Zac brings a huge amount of financial due diligence experience to the role, and a formidable background in the cut-and-thrust world of M&A. He was head of the UK M&A division at Credit Suisse between 2005 and 2009, playing a key role in a number of high profile business transactions including: the sale of Corus plc to Tata Group; Barclays’ offer for ABN AMRO; and the recapitalisation of Lloyds and HBOS by the UK government. Zac ran that team with great success, helping Credit Suisse claim its best ever position of number two in the UK M&A rankings in 2009.
Unsurprisingly, he has been recognised for his talent and hard work by the industry: he was named a ‘Rising Star’ by the Financial News in 2006 and 2009; and Credit Suisse was awarded UK M&A ‘House of the Year’ during his tenure, in both 2007 and 2008.
Crucially for Alitam, Zac personally advised on the complex and high profile merger of Alliance Unichem and Boots. He thus brings great insight and know-how regarding M&A deals in the world of pharmacy – of inestimable value at this vital juncture, as Alitam seek significant private equity investment. He was particularly sought after for his support with the financial modelling of the ambitious 100+ roll-up programme. He will also be tasked with the financial modelling of organic growth for individual pharmacies, as Alitam seeks to integrate innovative service lines, in order to offer the public the healthcare they so desperately need. At this time, there is a 6 million-long waiting list for NHS treatments, which the government is struggling to fund. One of Alitam’s core aims is to deliver instore diagnostics and treatments on demand, and to reduce illness and deaths by building its own preventative medical health system.
Furthermore, Zac will assist Feisal Nahaboo, CEO, in devising a financial model to acquire large, empty high street stores, and kit them out according to the ‘Super Pharmacy’ concept. These ‘Medical and Wellbeing Centres’ will operate as one-stop-shops for health and wellbeing, providing not just highly regulated medical care, but further treatments such as physio, vaccinations, aesthetics and even midwifery. Zac will be closely involved with their roll out, across the UK and Ireland region, over the next ten years.
Founder and CEO Feisal Nahaboo, who personally headhunted and recruited Zac, is understandably elated. “Zac joining us is a ringing endorsement of the Pharmacy of the Future concept. Zac at once saw that the idea is not only sound, but timely, as our health services face unprecedented levels of pressure. He has a fierce intelligence, impressive track record and boundless enthusiasm for the Alitam concept. I know I speak on behalf of all board members when I say how delighted we are to have his confidence and talent invested in us.
I will learn a lot from Zac, which can only help our ongoing Overnight Multiple Merger Models (OMMMs).” Says Zac, “Much about Alitam impresses me. The scale of vision, the level of talent and ingenuity, the relentless hard work by Feisal, Sir Ken and the rest of the management team since day one. All of my instincts and experience tell me that Alitam will achieve its aims, and go further. I am proud to be part of this formidable team who, together with our incredible members, will help transform our nations’ health.”
