Change of Ownership

A “change of ownership” for the purposes of the National Health Service (Pharmaceutical and Local Pharmaceutical Services Regulations 2013 (the Regulations) covers the situation where the legal identity of the pharmacy contractor has changed. Before a change of ownership takes place, the proposed incoming pharmacy contractor must make an application pursuant to regulation 26 of the Regulations. Unless there is good cause for delay, NHS England must determine the change of ownership application as soon as it is practicable to do so and within 30 days of the date on which all the required information and documentation was received by them (this will include fitness to practise).

Please see the detailed change of ownership guide and the Community Pharmacy England Website:

• Change of Ownership April 2024
• Change of ownership – Community Pharmacy England
• New application route to rearrange core opening hours – Community Pharmacy England