A milestone built on twenty years of expanding access to healthcare through trusted expertise, affordable prices healthcare solutions and care...
A milestone built on twenty years of expanding access to healthcare through trusted expertise, affordable prices healthcare solutions and care that stays close to customers.
Dr. Max Group is now Europe’s largest pharmacy chain by number of pharmacies. Entering the second half of 2026 with more than 3.300 pharmacies and with a joint-venture investment in a further 580+ pharmacies, the Group has reached a new milestone after two decades of making healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more relevant for millions of people across Europe.
„Twenty years ago, we set out to make quality healthcare more accessible. Since then, the role of the pharmacy has evolved far beyond dispensing medicines. By staying close to our customers and continuously adapting to their changing needs, we’ve expanded the way we care for patients and customers. Becoming Europe’s largest pharmacy chain is not a story about size. It’s the result of two decades of resilience, customer-centric thinking and a commitment to making healthcare more accessible, affordable and relevant for every community we serve.”", Leonardo Ferrandino, President & CEO, Dr. Max Group.
Dr. Max combines one of Europe’s largest pharmacy networks with an integrated omnichannel experience, allowing customers to move easily between pharmacies, e-commerce, mobile applications and click & collect services. The Group continues to grow across its six core markets (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Italy, and Serbia), while selectively pursuing further expansion through new pharmacy openings, acquisitions, and future market opportunities.
The trust behind the lead
More than 22 000 employees and 13,2 million loyal customers are not simply indicators of scale. They reflect two decades spent earning trust by staying close to communities, adapting to changing healthcare needs and making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Long-term commitment to the health of Romanians
In Romania, Dr. Max Group’s achievement is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the economic and consumer environment is more cautious than in previous years. The first half of 2026 was marked by a slowdown in the pharmaceutical market and related segments, driven by increased consumer attention to spending and growing pressure on operating costs. Backed by the strength and expertise of a leading European healthcare group, Dr. Max Romania continues to invest in logistics infrastructure, digitalization, and the development of patient services, while maintaining a responsible and disciplined approach to resource allocation.
"The current environment is not an easy one for our industry, and we are seeing greater caution in consumer behavior than in recent years. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our long-term strategy and continue to invest in the initiatives that allow us to stay close to our patients and provide them with access to the healthcare services and products they need. Being part of Europe’s largest pharmacy chain gives us the stability and resources required to navigate this period with confidence and responsibility.", said Cezar Zaharia, CEO of Dr. Max Romania..
As it strengthens its position as the European market leader, Dr. Max Group remains focused on the mission that has driven its growth from the very beginning: expanding access to high-quality healthcare services and building long-term relationships of trust with patients and the communities it serves.
Supporting the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals. At Dr. Max, we believe that quality healthcare starts with solid training and a genuine desire to...
At Dr. Max, we believe that quality healthcare starts with solid training and a genuine desire to care for people. That’s why we actively support students aspiring to become dedicated pharmacists professionals in white coats ready to make a real impact on patients’ lives.
We build bridges between academia and the professional world through partnerships with pharmacy faculties, vocational schools, and student organizations. By participating in conferences, workshops, and dedicated projects, we give young talents clarity, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive in their careers.
We are present wherever the future of the profession is being shaped: ExpoPharma, Marisiensis, the Mureș Pharmacists’ Conference, Oradea Pharmaceutical Days, graduation ceremonies, and student society events.
Every initiative reflects our commitment to excellence in pharmacy – because at Dr. Max, education is not just a responsibility, it’s an investment in the health of future generation.
A top player in the European pharmaceutical market, Dr. Max Group has consolidated its second-place standing on the continent among the most...
In the ranking of market leaders in the European pharmaceutical sector, Dr. Max Group has solidified its position as the second largest pharmacy network on the continent, recording an annual growth of 20%, with revenues of 4.6 billion euros in 2023. The figures underscore the brand's growing presence and popularity among consumers, through successful expansion into various European markets, including the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Serbia, and Italy.
Dr. Max's growth strategy highlights a significant expansion in the European and Romanian markets, through operational expansion measures and innovations in the supply chain:
Dr. Max entered the Romanian market in 2017, following the acquisition of Arta pharmacies, and in 2018 it acquired the A&D Pharma group. In 2020, the Dr. Max brand was launched with the promise of offering affordable prices and high-quality products and services to Romanian patients. Currently, in Romania, Dr. Max owns the largest pharmaceutical distributor, the Mediplus division, as well as over 950 pharmacies nationwide. It has successfully earned the trust of more than 4.5 million Romanians who currently benefit from the Dr. Max loyalty program, as well as over 4,000 independent pharmacies, private hospitals, and state hospitals.
"At Dr. Max Romania, we prioritize a deep commitment to caring for people, which is the foundation of our success. We are dedicated to maintaining the same attention and responsibility in all our activities, ensuring that each patient benefits from the services and products they need", stated Cezar Zaharia, CEO of Dr. Max Romania.
In every country where Dr. Max is present, the company shares the same objective: to contribute to improving patient health by providing an extensive range of pharmaceutical products and services. Dr. Max is a modern brand, bold in innovation and dedicated to elevating industry standards to offer effective solutions for a healthy life, featuring high-quality products at affordable prices.
Draft Terms of Merger by Absorption between the companies DR. MAX S.R.L. and MEDIPLUS EXIM S.R.L.
DR. MAX S.R.L. and GEDEON RICHTER FARMACIA S.A. merger by absorption project
Dr. Max Romania has acquired the Gedeon Richter pharmacies and the distributor Pharmafarm. The integration process will span several months Bucharest, May 2023 – Dr....
Bucharest, May 2023 – Dr. Max Romania continues to strengthen its market position through the acquisition of Gedeon Richter and Pharmafarm operations. This new acquisition by the Romanian pharmaceutical group, owned by Dr. Max Group – the 2nd largest group in Europe – brings its total to over 850 pharmacies in Romania.
Cezar Zaharia, CEO of Dr. Max Romania.: “With the integration of Gedeon Richter’s retail and distribution operations, we will consolidate our market position and reconfirm that we are part of a strong and ambitious group. Through this new acquisition, we aim to best meet the needs of patients in Romania by providing accessible services and a wide portfolio of products.”
The transaction complies with all current legal requirements and has been approved by the Competition Council, marking a new stage in the integration of Gedeon Richter’s retail and distribution operations—a process that will span several months.
Bucharest, April 25, 2023 – A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group, one of the largest pharmaceutical groups in Romania and part of Dr. Max Group...
Bucharest, April 25, 2023 – A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group, one of the largest pharmaceutical groups in Romania and part of the Dr. Max Group, is officially changing its name to Dr. Max Romania.
Under its new identity, Dr. Max Romania continues its journey towards a healthier tomorrow, providing real solutions for the daily needs of patients in Romania by offering integrated pharmaceutical import, distribution, and retail services through the distributor Mediplus and the Dr. Max pharmacy chain.
The company’s renaming, five years after the acquisition of A&D Pharma by Dr. Max Group, is a natural progression. It follows the completion of the pharmacies' rebranding to Dr. Max, the launch of the Dr. Max E-shop and Hyper-pharmacies, and substantial investments in the company’s logistical infrastructure—essential for supporting the group’s dynamic growth in Romania.
“We will continue to grow under our new identity, aiming to best serve the needs of patients in Romania. This milestone is a natural step in our expansion within the local market and in building our employer brand, while our primary objective remains to improve the health of the Romanian people, rooted in their real needs.” – Cezar Zaharia, CEO of Dr. Max Romania
Care, responsibility, customer focus, and courage are the values that guide Dr. Max Romania's actions. High-quality services remain essential pillars defining the organization's activity, complemented by programs that foster employee development and social projects that actively contribute to the communities in which Dr. Max Romania operates.
Gedeon Richter sells its pharmaceutical distribution and retail operations in Romania to Dr. Max Budapest, Hungary – Prague, Czech Republic – October 21, 2022...
Budapest, Hungary – Prague, Czech Republic – October 21, 2022 – Gedeon Richter Plc. (“Richter”) and Dr. Max BDC, s.r.o. (“Dr. Max Group”) announced today via the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE) that Richter’s indirect subsidiary, Armedica Trading S.R.L., has signed a share purchase agreement to transfer the Richter Group’s pharmaceutical distribution and retail operations in Romania (Pharmafarm S.A. and Gedeon Richter Farmacia S.A., respectively) to Mediplus Exim S.R.L. (“Mediplus”), a subsidiary of A&D Pharma, part of Dr. Max Group. The completion of the transaction is subject to approval from the Romanian Competition Council.
“This transaction will allow us to further focus on the Company's core activities, as part of our strategy to divest non-core business lines, such as the one in the Republic of Moldova last year. Sustaining the protection of the high margins achieved by its highly specialized pharmaceutical manufacturing segment is of paramount importance to Richter's management., stated Gábor Orbán, CEO of Richter.
“The acquisition of Richter Group’s pharmaceutical distribution and retail operations in Romania marks another significant step in Dr. Max Group’s expansion within the Romanian market and further strengthens our position among the leading pharmacy chains in Europe”, – declared Leonardo Ferrandino, Dr. Max Group CEO.
“Thanks to this transaction, we will strengthen our position in both the retail and distribution markets. Given the limited overlap with our existing retail chain, this acquisition will allow us to expand into new areas, while simultaneously providing our patients with convenient services and a broad product portfolio in cities where we already have a presence. Consequently, the transaction aligns perfectly with our development strategy”, – adds Cezar Zaharia, CEO of A&D Pharma.
Dr. Max supports the opening of the first socialization center for lonely seniors in Romania with a €100,000 donation...
The partnership between Dr. Max Pharmacies and the ‘Niciodată Singur – Prietenii Vârstnicilor’ Association continues, and in 2022 it comes to fruition through the opening of the first socialization center for seniors in Romania. This is a long-term initiative whose objective is to support one of the most vulnerable communities in Romania: seniors over the age of 65 who, more often than not, live in solitude.
For the second year in a row, Dr. Max continues its promise to listen to people, especially those who need it most, by further supporting the Niciodată Singur Association with a €100,000 donation.This donation is the result of an extensive communication campaign through which the company donated one leu for every Dr. Max private-label product purchased between May 20 and June 20, 2022. Through this initiative, together with its patients, Dr. Max provides a future free of loneliness for seniors in the ‘Niciodată Singur – Prietenii Vârstnicilor’ program and through the opening of the first senior socialization center in Romania. With the help of this fund, the socialization center dedicated to seniors will be able to support various activities tailored to their specific needs. Each day of the week features a theme focused on health, practical activities, psychology, and art, as well as a recreational area.
Thus, seniors visiting the center will be able to enjoy intergenerational activities, age-appropriate exercise sessions, knitting workshops, and foreign language courses, aiming to promote a culture of volunteering among the elderly. Furthermore, to provide psychological support, the center will organize support groups on various topics associated with loneliness, all facilitated by specialists in the field.
The opening of the first senior socialization center in Romania builds upon the program already supported by the partnership last year. The 2021 results showed that Romanians are open to supporting this cause, with the campaign doubling the number of seniors enrolled in the Association’s programs. Furthermore, three new local teams were established across the country—in Iași, Cluj-Napoca, and Brașov—thereby helping even more elderly people who experience loneliness on a daily basis.
This year’s objectives are even more ambitious: the opening of the first socialization center for lonely seniors provides them with a place to share their life stories and engage in activities that improve their daily lives.
As the lead partner, Dr. Max Pharmacies continue to support the activities of the ‘Niciodată Singur – Prietenii Vârstnicilor’ Association, through which beneficiaries enjoy companionship and socialization during festive meals celebrating Older Persons' Day, Christmas, and Easter.
''The impact of social relationships on health is just as significant as other risk factors, especially when it comes to our seniors. Improving their lives is the primary objective of the ‘Together alongside People’ campaign. By opening the senior socialization center, we aim to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to enjoy the company of others who will encourage them to share their stories''– Camelia Naciadi, Chief Commercial Officer A&D Pharma Group.
Social interaction plays a vital role in both the physical and emotional health of seniors, yet in Romania, old age is all too often defined by closed doors and isolation.
''1 in 4 people over the age of 65 experience acute loneliness, and 3 out of 10 seniors have no one to socialize with. This is why it is essential to create an environment that encourages interaction. Seniors become more communicative when they feel part of a community. Socializing and spending leisure time to satisfy emotional needs, gain social recognition, and share their life experiences can work wonders for the elderly.'' – Cătălin Dinu, Executive Director of Niciodată Singur – Prietenii Vârstnicilor
The partnership with the ‘Niciodată Singur – Prietenii Vârstnicilor’ Association remains a long-term civic initiative supporting this cause and its ongoing programs, backed by a comprehensive communication campaign with integrated social media, TV, and media campaign components.
Dr. Max Group secures €940 million in refinancing and additional funding...
“Through this refinancing, which reflects our expansion to date and future growth potential, Dr. Max Group has secured the financial resources to continue the successful development and implementation of our omnichannel strategy, which delivers added value to our customers and patients.” – stated Thomas Bornemann, CFO of Dr. Max Group.
The bank financing was managed and coordinated by UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, a.s. and Komerční banka, a.s. (Société Générale Group), with the lending syndicate consisting of 14 banks. This complex operation (which gradually included debtors from six jurisdictions) was finalized in six weeks—an extremely short timeframe for a transaction of this type and volume.
Dr. Max Group was advised by Dentons Bratislava, led by Patricia Gossanyiova, and AK Evan, led by Jan Evan, while the banks were represented by White & Case Prague, led by Tomas Jine.
The Dr. Max Hyper-pharmacy concept enters the Bucharest market. Starting this spring, Dr. Max is launching its first two Hyper-pharmacies in Bucharest, located in Veranda...
Starting this spring, Dr. Max is launching its first two Hyper-pharmacies in Bucharest: at Veranda Mall on March 25, and at Mega Mall on April 15. The Hyper-pharmacy concept is unique within the Dr. Max Group, and Romania is the first market where it was launched—a first for Central and Eastern Europe. Tens of thousands of Romanians have already experienced the new Hyper-pharmacy concept in Iași, Timișoara, Oradea, Craiova, and Ploiești.
The Dr. Max Hyper-pharmacy is where patients benefit from an extensive range of products at affordable prices, addressing the needs of those with chronic conditions, seniors, and young mothers. Furthermore, the Hyper-pharmacy concept caters to customers focused on health prevention, as well as those seeking beauty and well-being products. The experience is enhanced by the support of highly trained pharmacists and consultants available to provide advice and recommendations.
“We are delighted that the new Dr. Max Hyper-pharmacy concept is a place where patients feel it is worth stopping for a comprehensive shopping experience, with a vast range of health, care, and beauty products at their disposal. Through this concept, we aimed to anticipate every stage of the ‘customer journey’ to the highest standards—from a diverse and affordable selection to the welcoming atmosphere of the space and the professional support provided by our pharmacists and consultants. To bring the benefits of this new concept to as many patients as possible, we will continue expanding Dr. Max Hyper-pharmacies nationwide in the coming period.” – Cezar Zaharia, CEO A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group
The Hyper-pharmacy offer includes over 12,000 products organized into six dedicated zones: the medication area—including reimbursed and free prescriptions; vitamins & minerals; dermato-cosmetics; cosmetics and personal care; mother & child products; medical equipment and devices; and a healthy nutrition zone.
The Dr. Max Hyper-pharmacy offers patients numerous checkout counters to minimize waiting times: dedicated counters for prescriptions—including reimbursed and free prescriptions from any national health insurance fund—self-service checkouts where you scan and pay independently, and assisted payment counters.
Dr. Max provides easy access to health products through over 650 community pharmacies and 7 Hyper-pharmacies, as well as via its E-shop, offering home delivery or pickup from any Dr. Max pharmacy.
Dr. Max is also present in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Serbia, and Italy, with the same objective of contributing to the improvement of patient health by offering an extensive range of medicines and pharmaceutical services. Dr. Max is a modern brand that has the courage to innovate and constantly raise industry standards to provide the most effective solutions for a healthy life, with quality products at affordable prices.
A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group is donating €150,000, joining the efforts of the Romanian Red Cross to support the Ukrainian civilian population...
A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group stands in solidarity with the Romanian Red Cross initiative to support the Ukrainian civilian population, donating €150,000 to be distributed based on the most urgent needs—ranging from medical supplies for Ukrainian hospitals to basic necessities.
This humanitarian endeavor is part of a company-wide initiative and aims to support the efforts of the Romanian Red Cross in real-time through a consolidated effort.
“This is a humanitarian crisis, and right now, it is vital to stand with the people. Those caught in the midst of these events need support and protection. Caring for people is the core mission of the Dr. Max brand, and that is why we are supporting the Romanian Red Cross initiative to aid the Ukrainian civilian population.” – Cezar Zaharia, CEO A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group.
The Red Cross works in constant collaboration with international authorities and NGOs; therefore, it will adapt expenditures according to their established requirements to address specific current needs directly.
The funds donated by A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group will be distributed by the Romanian Red Cross primarily toward the purchase of medications and medical supplies, non-perishable food, and other urgent needs.
To assist Ukrainian citizens affected by the war, the Romanian Red Cross provides humanitarian and logistical support in accommodation facilities provided by state authorities and at triage points, offering basic first aid, psychosocial support, and services to restore family links.
“In this period of tension and anxiety, our priority is to help Ukrainian citizens reaching Romania, as well as the population remaining in Ukraine. Those caught in the midst of these events must be supported and protected. Their lives depend on the involvement of people of goodwill and the institutions capable of providing aid. We thank A&D Pharma – Dr. Max Group for their prompt response and for their commitment on such short notice.”– stated Ioan-Silviu Lefter, Director General of the Romanian Red Cross.