A path to ownership that keep your pharmacy independent.
A junior partnership allows a pharmacy owner to bring a pharmacist, often a trusted employee, into ownership gradually. The junior partner buys a minority stake and increases it over time, while the senior owner keeps control during the transition. For owners, it is a structured way to identify and prepare a successor. For pharmacists, it is a way to build equity without purchasing an entire pharmacy at once.
Is a junior partnership right for you?
For Owners:
- You want to retire or step back within the next 5-10 years.
- You have a pharmacist on staff who shares your commitment to your patients, your business, and your community.
- You want your pharmacy to remain independent rather than having to sell it to a chain or other investor.
For Pharmacists:
- You want to own a pharmacy but are not ready to buy or open one outright.
- Your employer has raised the possibility of partnership, and you want to understand your options.
- You want to grow into ownership while continuing to learn from an experienced owner.
How NCPA Foundation can help
- We support connections to owners who have completed a junior partnership successfully.
- We offer referrals to attorneys, accountants, and lenders experienced with pharmacy transactions.
- We offer partnership matchmaking through our rural pharmacy ownership accelerator, pathways to pharmacy ownership, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
- We offer free education on junior partnerships, particularly related to structuring/valuing/and financing.
Disclaimer:
The NCPA Foundation provides educational resources and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Owners and pharmacists should consult qualified professionals before entering a partnership agreement.
