The prescription drug industry may not be as headlined as others when it comes to shipping, but this time it has.  AmerisourceBergan has released they will buy World Courier Group for $520 million in cash to increase their market in North America and abroad.

In the recent Business Journal report, AmerisourceBergan's primary strategy for the purchase is to increase their service range to drug manufacturers.  “The acquisition of World Courier adds a new premium specialty service to our existing portfolio of market leading pharmaceutical manufacturer services,” said president and CEO of AmerisourceBergen Steven Collis. “The addition of World Courier’s unique capabilities and expertise to our existing commercialization services further strengthens our offerings to global pharmaceutical manufacturers, and provides an established platform for the introduction of our specialty services outside North America.” 

The prescription drug giant expects the buy to impact their 2012 sales right out the gate.  World Courier Group forecasts to bring $500 million in revenue this year.  World Courier Group is a logistics specialty courier in the biopharmaceutical industry, providing deliveries of prescription drugs, blood samples, medical supplies, and machines.  AmerisourceBergen's deal is set to close around June.

The buyout constitutes the benefits of courier use.  In most cases, companies within the industry, not only distributors, but hospitals and medical technology firms, require deliveries that have to be shipped on-demand and rapidly.  The shipments are very critical can mean life or death for customers and patients.  This includes sending couriers to deliver medicine to jails, prisons, and nursing homes daily.    

Without question, courier services are necessary in the industry and will continue to thrive.  Courier Services such as A-1 Express can be trusted to help prescription drug distributors with same-day deliveries on a regular basis and can provide these on-demand services nationwide.  The move by AmerisourceBergan appears to be a great move and could be the beginning of more drug industry shipping initiatives.  It definitely shows couriers are the perfect fit for servicing prescription drug companies and the medical industry worldwide. 

References:  3.6.12, Philadelphia Business Journal, John George, AmerisourceBergen to buy World Courier for $520M