A family-owned pharmacy, run by the same man for 25 years, has been sold.

Woodstock Road Chemist at 59 Woodstock Road, Oxford is a renowned community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 9,500 items a month.

It was owned by Riaz Ahmed and provides NHS and private services.

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The pharmacy has now been sold to Kasim Moghal and Sila Topcu to allow Mr Ahmed to retire.

Mr Ahmed said: “Over the years, with the support of my family and pharmacy team, we had grown the business significantly and, after 25 years, I was keen to retire and for someone to take on my business.

“I am sure Kasim and Sila will be successful and will grow the business and build on the great relationships we had created.”

New owner Mr Moghal added: “I’m delighted to have acquired this pharmacy.

“It is a business which ticks all the boxes for us. Riaz and the staff have been an integral part of the community for many years, and Sila and I look forward to continuing his great work, whilst making the business our own."

The sale was managed by property advisor, Christie & Co.

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Gary Boyce, director at Christie & Co finance who sourced the funding for the sale, said: “It was a pleasure working with Kasim and Sila, and to help them acquire their first pharmacy business.

“Woodstock Road Chemist is ideal for them as capable and enthusiastic first-time buyers.

“Working closely with them at the outset meant we were able to structure a bespoke loan application that drew on their capabilities and mitigated the challenges that came with the deal.

“This resulted in securing very competitive funding terms, with a bank ready to support their long-term business needs.

“I look forward to seeing their plans come to fruition at Woodstock Road Chemist and hope to have the opportunity of helping them acquire further businesses in the future.”

The price of the sale has not been disclosed to the public.