Sigma Healthcare has been a cornerstone of Australia’s pharmaceutical landscape for over 110 years. Founded in 1912 by two Melbourne pharmacists Edwin Church and Ernest Leete, Sigma evolved from manufacturing proprietary medicines to becoming one of the country’s leading full-line pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacy franchisors. Key milestones include the acquisition of Guardian and Amcal pharmacy brands in the late 1990s, its ASX listing in 1999, and the strategic acquisition of Discount Drug Stores in 2014. While continuing to develop the franchising business, Sigma’s primary business throughout this period was (and remains) a leading full-line wholesale and distribution business to Australian pharmacies. Over the decades, Sigma has evolved through innovation, investment in automation and infrastructure, and a commitment to supporting community pharmacies nationwide.

Chemist Warehouse was founded by brothers Jack and Sam Gance, who bought their first pharmacy in 1972 in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs. Mario Verrocchi joined the business in 1980. Jack, Sam and Mario, along with a number of like-minded entrepreneurial pharmacists, began to coordinate buying activities for their mutual benefit.  In 1997, the first My Chemist branded pharmacy was opened, and coordinated marketing activities began. The first Chemist Warehouse store opened in 2000, introducing a disruptive big-box discount format that revolutionised pharmacy retailing in Australia. Over the past two decades, the brand has grown to become one of the most recognised in the country, with over 500 stores nationwide and a strong international presence in New Zealand, Ireland, China, and Dubai. Chemist Warehouse has also pioneered digital health and omnichannel retailing, supported by its own media platforms and exclusive product ranges.

In 2025, Sigma and Chemist Warehouse merged to form a new powerhouse in healthcare retail and distribution. The Merged Group now supports over 880 franchised pharmacies across our retail pharmacy brands – Chemist Warehouse, Amcal, and Discount Drug Stores—and supplies more than 3,500 pharmacies across Australia. Pharmacy is in our DNA, and we remain committed to growing our strategic partnerships with pharmacies and suppliers to deliver a strong customer value proposition, in Australia and in international markets. We are dedicated to delivering best-in-class supply chain expertise and maintaining financial discipline and governance to support strong stakeholder returns, enabled by our people.

With a shared commitment to innovation, affordability, and community health, we are poised to lead the next chapter in pharmacy services both locally and globally.