LloydsPharmacy is reportedly selling off a “significant” number of UK branches.

Pharmacy Network News said that it saw emails from pharmacy sales firm Hutching Consultants which indicated that the UK’s second largest pharmacy chain is looking to launch the sale of a substantial bulk of branches across England, Scotland, and Wales.

A LloydsPharmacy spokesperson told the publication that it regularly reviews its pharmacy estate to “ensure it is operating sustainably and any decision to sell stores is taken in the interests of patients, colleagues and the business.”

The news comes a month after the chain announced it would close all 237 of its Sainsbury’s outlets in a move which will affect around 2,000 jobs.

A spokesperson told Chemist & Druggist (C&D) that the move follows “a strategic review of its operations in response to changing market conditions”.

Chief executive Kevin Birch said the decision had “not been an easy one” and that Lloyds is working with all colleagues potentially affected by the changes.

Birch added that Lloyds is committed to helping patients easily find a suitable alternative provision.

Sainsbury’s also confirmed that the closures would take place over the coming months and said it would work with Lloyds to “ensure customers are clear on how they can access an alternative pharmacy provision to meet their needs”.

Asked whether the pharmacies in question would be closed or sold, Lloyds told C&D it is “currently exploring options for each individual branch”.

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