LeapFrog Investments fully exits Goodlife Pharmacy
LeapFrog has announced its exit from Goodlife Pharmacy, East Africa’s largest retail pharmacy platform.
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LeapFrog Investments has announced its exit from Goodlife Pharmacy, East Africa’s largest retail pharmacy platform. The business has been acquired by CFAO Healthcare, a distributor of pharmaceutical and medical products in Africa.
This full exit follows LeapFrog’s earlier sale of a minority stake in Goodlife to CFAO Healthcare in 2022. That transaction marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two firms, with CFAO now acquiring the remainder of LeapFrog’s shareholding to take full ownership.
With its investment in Goodlife in 2017, LeapFrog helped accelerate a modern pharmacy retail category that previously did not exist at scale in East Africa. By emphasising traceable supply chains and scaling a consumer-focused brand, the firm has built a category leader that now serves more than 2 million consumers annually.
Goodlife offers quality pharmaceuticals, beauty and wellness products as well as a suite of diagnostics and primary care consultation services with the support of licensed partners. Today, the business operates an integrated omnichannel model with around 150 locations across Kenya and Uganda.
LeapFrog partner and global head of healthcare, Dr Biju Mohandas said: “This is a powerful demonstration of what’s possible in African healthcare with the right capital and the right partner. Together with a world-class management team, we built Goodlife into a household name – trusted by millions for vital medicines and health services. With its more than 70-year history and rich legacy of operating in Africa, CFAO Healthcare, the healthcare subsidiary of the Toyota Group, is the ideal partner to carry this mission forward.”
CFAO Healthcare CEO, Jean-Marc Leccia said: “Goodlife has built a trusted brand and an extensive network of pharmacies across East Africa. Thanks to LeapFrog’s operational expertise and vision, the platform now stands as a benchmark for delivering affordable, high-quality care to emerging consumers. Goodlife has built a highly recognised brand and an extensive network of pharmacies that serve as genuine wellness hubs. Together, we will further enhance accessibility, service quality, and innovation within the pharmaceutical sector.”
Justin Melvin, CEO of Goodlife Pharmacy said: “Goodlife Pharmacy has always been dedicated to enhancing health and wellness, and with the backing of LeapFrog Investments, we’ve achieved tremendous progress toward our mission. Partnering with CFAO Healthcare offers a unique opportunity to expand that mission, delivering greater impact and value for our customers and communities.”
Read more from How we made it in Africa: Building a retail chain in East Africa – The story of Goodlife Pharmacy
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