Tamro Sweden

• net sales EUR 1,708 (1,536) million
• personnel 440
• average market share 52.6%

Market overview

The Swedish pharmaceutical wholesale market continued to grow at a modest pace in 2006/07. Aggregated pharmaceutical sales in Sweden amounted to EUR 2,855 million in PPP, a 4.5% rise on the previous year. The relatively low growth was primarily caused by an increase in generics sales.

In 2006/07, Tamro Sweden’s sales amounted to EUR 1,708 (1,536) million. The growth was somewhat higher than the Swedish pharmaceutical market on average.

The new Swedish government intends to abolish the pharmacy monopoly assigned to the state-owned Apoteket AB as from 2009, by allowing the establishment of private pharmacies. A commission has been asked to suggest how this may be facilitated and how Apoteket AB should be positioned. This first part of the investigation will be published by the end of 2007.

The second part of the investigation will be published by 1 April 2008 and will address the possible sale of OTC products through other channels than pharmacies.

Despite moderate market growth and intense competition in the pharmaceutical trade, Tamro Sweden was able to strengthen its position as the market leader. Tamro’s average market share rose to 52.6% in 2006 (49.5%), up by 3.1% from the previous year.

Main events

The extension and upgrade of Tamro’s warehouse facilities in Stockholm was completed in January 2007. The warehouse was extended by 7,000 square meters and equipped with advanced technology for warehouse and stock management. It also features state-of-the-art technology in the areas of cold and narcotics storage. The modernisation was carried out in order to enhance warehouse quality.

In addition, Tamro Sweden passed a three-year recertification audit concerning Quality and Environment Management Compliance with the international ISO standards.

Outlook for 2007/08

The Swedish pharmaceutical wholesale market is expected to grow at a rate of 4%, which is slightly below the 2006 rate.

The ongoing government inquiry of the Swedish pharmacy monopoly and issues surrounding the forthcoming liberalisation will continue to be on top of the agenda. 

Tamro Sweden will follow the development closely and take all necessary steps to secure the company’s market position and profitability, regardless of the outcome of the government’s liberalisation plans.

Key figures