16 February 2026
Medal AI plc
("MedPal AI" or the "Company")
Completion of Acquisition of Universal Pharmacy assets and Expansion of Robotic Distribution Facility in Swaffham
Medpal AI plc (AIM: MPAL, Frankfurt: Z1N), the AI-powered pharmacy and healthcare services group, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of key assets (the "Acquisition") from Universal Pharmacy Ltd (in administration) on 13 February 2026. The Acquisition was undertaken through the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, MedPal Limited, and was originally announced on 16 September 2025. Completion of the transaction was conditional, inter alia, on MedPal Limited obtaining approval from NHS England of its pharmacy licence application, confirming fitness to practice and change of ownership in respect of the NHS pharmacy contract previously held by Universal Pharmacy Limited.
The licence was approved on 4 November 2025 and the pharmacy is now fully operational under Medpal Limited's ownership. Consideration for the Acquisition comprised an initial payment of £15,000 followed by a final payment of £30,000 on completion.
In conjunction with the Acquisition, the pharmacy premises have been expanded to encompass Units 21, 23, and 25 at Ecotech Innovation Business Park, Turbine Way, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7XD. This represents a tripling of the facility's footprint, creating one of the UK's most advanced robotic distribution hubs for pharmaceutical services. The expansion includes:
· Assignment of existing leases for Units 23 and 25 (previously operated by Universal Pharmacy Ltd); and
· A new 10-year lease (with a break option in 2029) for Unit 21, adjacent to the existing sites.
The enlarged facility is now structured to operate 24/7 with a capacity to handle over 100,000 prescription items per month with automated dispensing, order fulfilment, and nationwide delivery of prescription and over-the-counter medications. It aligns with the Company's strategy to leverage AI and robotics to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand its market share in the growing UK pharmacy sector.
This transaction further advances Medpal AI's vertically integrated healthcare model, as outlined in the Company's announcement of 10 February 2026. By securing the NHS contract, integrating the pharmacy operations acquired from Universal Pharmacy Ltd, and tripling the Swaffham robotic hub's capacity, the Company now has enhanced end-to-end control - from AI-driven clinical services and consultations to automated dispensing, fulfilment, and patient delivery. This strengthens revenue capture at every step of the care pathway, improves operational margins, and positions Medpal AI to deliver scalable, cost-effective healthcare solutions across the UK.
Jason Drummond, CEO of Medpal AI, commented:
"We are delighted to have completed this acquisition and facility expansion. The integration of Universal Pharmacy's operations into our Medpal Limited subsidiary, combined with the tripling of our Swaffham robotic hub, directly supports our vertically integrated model and positions us strongly for accelerated growth. This milestone underscores our commitment to building a scalable, technology-driven pharmacy platform that delivers better outcomes for patients, prescribers, and the NHS."
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). The Directors of the Company are responsible for the contents of this announcement.
Enquiries:
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MedPal AI plc Jason Drummond, Chief Executive Officer
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Via Square1 Consulting |
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Cairn Financial Advisers LLP Louise O'Driscoll/Jo Turner
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+44 (0) 20 7213 0880 |
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Clear Capital Markets Limited Bob Roberts
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+44 (0) 20 3869 6080 |
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Square1 Consulting David Bick |
+44 (0) 20 7929 5599 +44 (0) 7831 381201 |
Notes to Editors: Medpal AI plc is an AIM-listed company (with a dual listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange) focused on transforming pharmacy services through AI, automation, and digital health solutions. The Company operates a network of pharmacies and distribution facilities, with a core emphasis on robotic dispensing technology to enhance accuracy, speed, and accessibility of medicines.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("MAR"). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service ("RIS"), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
The directors of the Company take responsibility for this announcement.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results that are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, competition for qualified staff, the regulatory process and actions, technical issues, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, uncertainties resulting from working in a new political jurisdiction, uncertainties regarding the results of exploration, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of prospecting rights, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of regulatory and other third party consents and approvals, uncertainties regarding the Company's or any third party's ability to execute and implement future plans, and the occurrence of unexpected events.