Johnson and Johnson chooses four exclusive wholesale partners

Johnson and Johnson has revised its British wholesale and supply arrangements, selecting four companies to oversee the distribution of its over-the-counter products.

As of January 1st 2013, Alliance Healthcare, Phoenix Healthcare, Sigma Pharmaceuticals and Celesio Group – which encompasses the AAH and Enterprise brands – will be solely responsible for the sale of Johnson and Johnson products in England, Scotland and Wales.

This decision follows an extensive review of the company's supply chain and pharmacy wholesale distribution arrangements and a subsequent comprehensive selection process.

The aim of this change is to help Johnson and Johnson to better account for current market trends, while maintaining the standards of service it provides.

A statement from the company said the new arrangement is "expected to reduce complexity, increase efficiencies and ensure optimal distribution of Johnson and Johnson and McNeil product ranges".

Earlier this month, the US-based multinational firm announced a cash dividend of $0.61 (0.38 pounds) per share on the company’s common stock for the first quarter of 2013.