The business now owns 56 pharmacies including the five new acquisitions. Two are located in Dundee, and one each in Kirriemuir, Montrose and Auchterarder – where it now owns the town’s two chemists.

Blairgowrie-headquartered Davidsons has commenced a rebrand of the new premises, which are gaining new exterior signage and in-store customer communications.

It has also completed the recruitment of three new pharmacist managers for the branches which were being operated by a locum. Their appointments will enable Davidsons to restore and upgrade their operations as well as provide greater certainty for local communities.

Allan Gordon, managing director, Davidsons Chemists, said: “We are making excellent progress with our five new branches, which we are rebuilding as valued local resources that will provide first class community healthcare.

“Our new pharmacist managers are providing much-needed structure and continuity and anecdotally, we have had great feedback from customers.

“As a business, we have significantly strengthened our position across the Tayside and Perthshire area following the acquisition from Lloyds.

“Thorntons and its knowledgeable team made the process as smooth as it could be, and we thank everyone involved for their support.”

Thorntons healthcare team partner, Kim Campbell, said: “Davidsons Chemists’ acquisition is a great step forward for an ambitious, growing healthcare business.

“It’s extremely rewarding to have played a role in bringing these five branches into its ownership, which is set to have a positive impact on both the business and local communities.

“We wish Davidsons’ management team every success as they incorporate the new branches and develop the business.”