Relad considers regional expansion

Relad group of firms, carrying out drug import and distribution activities, plans to expand on neighbouring markets in a broad move to strengthen its business.
Relad is the second biggest player on the domestic market of pharmaceutical distribution, with the leading position being held by Mediplus company, part of A&D Pharma group. Relad’s turnover could go beyond 250m euros this year.
“Like any active player, Relad is constantly seeking new growth opportunities, either inside or outside Romania. At present, beyond our intention to further strengthen our position on the domestic pharmaceutical distribution market, we decided to look for growth opportunities beyond the borders of our current operations. Thus, we are interested in developing new businesses in the Balkan area, but we haven’t decided yet on the type of business we’ll focus on,” Robert Popescu, Relad chairman, told ZF.
He said the company does not have any plans, for the time being, regarding the way the expansion process will unfold.
These strategy shifts also prompted top management changes within Relad.
Thus, Robert Popescu, previously filling the general manager position, was appointed chairman and took over all the responsibilities in the area of strategic business development, being also in charge of relationships with financial environments.
One of his main tasks is to increase Relad’s visibility on international financial markets.
The general manager position is now filled by Marius Corcoman, who coordinates all Romanian activities in the field of drug distribution.
Recently, the company’s General Meeting of Shareholders has approved the taking out of a loan for the company worth 60m euros at the highest.
The fever of raising funds, either in the form of loans or floatation on foreign capital markets, caught the domestic market as early as last year, when many players announced plans in this regard. “Like any big company, we believe listing as an option worth considering, but we haven’t made a decision in this regard, yet,” said Popescu.
Relad group, including the import segment, has budgeted turnover worth above 250m euros this year.
Relad operates a central warehouse and 16 local warehouses with all the necessary storage facilities and a car fleet of more than 400 vehicles.