Hubbry Logo
Dis-ChemDis-ChemMain
Open search
Dis-Chem
Community hub
Dis-Chem
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Dis-Chem
Dis-Chem
Dis-Chem
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited, commonly known as Dis-Chem, is the second-largest retail pharmacy chain in South Africa, operating over 300 stores across Southern Africa. The company offers a wide range of products, including third-party and private label items, both in-store and online, and operates a wholesale division. The company's head office is based in Midrand, Gauteng and is listen on the JSE under the ticker symbol as DCP.[2][5][6]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Dis-Chem was founded in 1978 by pharmacists Ivan and Lynette Saltzman.[1][7] The pharmacy opened its first retail pharmacy in Mondeor, a southern suburb of Johannesburg.[8] The couple introduced the concept of a discount pharmacy, offering product categories that were previously unavailable in South African pharmacies due to restrictive legislation.

In 2014, Dis-Chem expanded internationally by opening its first store outside South Africa, in Windhoek, Namibia.[9] In November 2016, the company listed 27.5% of its share capital on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, raising approximately R 4.4 billion in what was then the second-largest initial public offering in the exchange's history.[10][11] Following the IPO, Dis-Chem announced plans to double its number of outlets by 2021, with one-third of its stores being less than three years old at the time.[12]

Criticism

[edit]

In July 2020, the Competition Commission of South Africa found Dis-Chem guilty of inflating prices of certain hygiene products, such as disposable face masks, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribunal imposed an administrative penalty of R 1.2 million[13], significantly lower than the R 2 billion fine the Commission had initially sought. Dis-Chem chose not to appeal the decision, citing concerns over reputational harm.[14][15][16][17][18][19]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dis-Chem

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is a engaged in the retail and wholesale distribution of , healthcare products, beauty items, and personal care goods. Founded in 1978 by qualified pharmacists and Lynette Saltzman with a modest initial investment, it began as a single store in Johannesburg's Mondeor suburb and has expanded into the country's second-largest chain by store count and dispensary . As of 2025, Dis-Chem operates 285 branded stores primarily in , alongside 47 Baby City outlets and a handful in and , generating group revenues of R39.2 billion. The company's growth trajectory reflects aggressive store expansion and diversification into ancillary services, including in-store clinics for family health, wound care, and vaccinations, as well as a wholesale division supplying independent pharmacies. Dis-Chem holds approximately 25% of South Africa's dispensary market, benefiting from a resilient sector driven by rising healthcare demands amid economic challenges. Lynette Saltzman established the Dis-Chem Foundation in 2006 to support impoverished communities through contributions, underscoring a commitment to alongside commercial success. Dis-Chem has encountered notable controversies, including a 2022 internal directive imposing a moratorium on hiring or promoting white employees to comply with quotas, which sparked widespread criticism, threats of legal action from trade unions, and a measurable dip in sales before the company retracted the policy. Other incidents involve a 2023 breach prompting regulatory review and isolated product authenticity issues, though these have not derailed its overall market position.

Corporate Overview

Founding and Core Business

Dis-Chem Pharmacies was founded in by Ivan Saltzman, a , and his wife Lynette Saltzman in Mondeor, a suburb south of , . The couple launched their first store as a modest neighborhood , emphasizing operational efficiencies and innovative merchandising to achieve profitability. They pioneered a discount model in , offering reduced prices on medicines alongside expanded product categories such as jewelry and other non-pharmaceutical items not typically found in traditional pharmacies at the time. The core business revolves around retailing affordable healthcare products, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, personal care items, beauty products, and wellness goods through a chain of physical stores. Dis-Chem also engages in wholesale distribution to support its retail operations and provides ancillary services such as in-store clinics for basic healthcare. This integrated model, rooted in the founders' focus on value-driven and , differentiates it from conventional pharmacies by combining pharmaceutical dispensing with broader retail offerings under one roof.

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

Dis-Chem maintains a dominant position in 's retail sector, particularly in dispensary operations, where it commands approximately 25% , the largest among peers, as of early 2025. The company operates 286 stores, supplemented by 47 Baby City outlets, across , , and , supporting retail revenue of R33.6 billion for the ended February 28, 2025—a 5.9% increase year-over-year. This scale underscores its role as the sector's volume leader in prescription fulfillment, bolstered by larger store formats averaging higher transaction values than competitors. The primary competitive dynamic centers on rivalry with Clicks Group, forming a near-duopoly that collectively holds about 50% of the formal retail market, leaving independents and smaller operators with the balance. Clicks edges out Dis-Chem in overall retail (around 53% versus 47% of their combined footprint as of late 2024), driven by denser store networks and stronger private-label penetration, though Dis-Chem has narrowed the gap through aggressive expansion and superior capture rates. Consumer spending data from transaction analytics further favors Dis-Chem at 56% versus Clicks' 44% across demographics, attributable to its broader product assortment in , , and general merchandise. Both firms continue store rollouts, with Dis-Chem targeting 39 new pharmacies in fiscal to sustain pressure on Clicks' lead. Beyond Clicks, the landscape includes fragmented independents (comprising roughly half the market) and nascent threats from grocery-tied pharmacies like Shoprite's MediRite, which exploit high foot traffic for but lack Dis-Chem's specialized clinical infrastructure and loyalty programs. Dis-Chem's competitive advantages—rooted in , integrated wholesale operations, and chronic disease management services—insulate it from erosion by these entrants, though regulatory scrutiny on pricing and persists.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Expansion (1978–2000)

Dis-Chem Pharmacies was established in 1978 by Ivan Saltzman and his wife Lynette Saltzman, both qualified pharmacists, who opened the company's inaugural retail store in Mondeor, a suburb south of , . The founders invested their personal savings, amounting to approximately $530 at the time, into the venture amid a dominated by higher-priced traditional pharmacies. This initial outlet emphasized affordable pricing on prescription and over-the-counter medications, positioning Dis-Chem as an early pioneer in 's discount pharmacy model. The company's early expansion proceeded cautiously, with the second store opening at Randridge Mall in 1984, marking its initial foray beyond the founding location despite skepticism from industry peers regarding the viability of low-margin discounting. By the late , Dis-Chem had added a third retail outlet and began broadening its product range to include non-pharmaceutical "front shop" items such as , toiletries, and , which complemented the core dispensing operations and drove higher foot traffic. This diversification reflected a strategic shift toward a hybrid pharmacy-retail format, leveraging in to maintain competitive pricing across categories. Throughout the late and , Dis-Chem accelerated its store rollout, concentrating on high-density urban markets in and to capitalize on growing consumer demand for accessible healthcare and convenience goods. The period saw steady through new greenfield openings, supported by the founders' hands-on management and focus on , though exact store counts remained modest compared to later decades. By 2000, the chain had established a foothold as a regional player in province, setting the stage for broader national penetration while remaining privately held by the Saltzman family.

Growth Phase and Public Listing (2001–2016)

During the early , Dis-Chem continued its expansion from a primarily regional pharmacy retailer into a more national presence, focusing on larger store formats in smaller centers before shifting toward major urban markets. By , the company operated approximately 34 stores, reflecting steady but measured growth amid competition from established chains like Clicks. This period laid the groundwork for accelerated scaling, driven by investments in efficiencies and broader product assortments beyond pharmaceuticals to include health, beauty, and general merchandise. Store network expansion intensified post-2008, with the footprint tripling to 101 South African locations by 2016, alongside two partner stores in . The base more than doubled from around 50 stores in 2010, including 30 net additions in the three years preceding the listing, supported by organic openings and selective acquisitions of independent pharmacies. Revenue correspondingly surged, reaching R15.5 billion in the financial year ended February 2016, with EBITDA at R1.1 billion, fueled by higher store productivity and private-label offerings. On 17 October , Dis-Chem announced its intention to list on the (JSE) main board in the Food and Drug Retailers sector, aiming to reduce debt, enable founder diversification, and fund further expansion. The abridged pre-listing statement, issued on 28 October, detailed plans to double the store count over five to eight years through new builds and conversions. Listing occurred on 18 , raising R4.38 billion via an IPO of 238.4 million shares priced at R18.40 each—above the midpoint of the indicative range—with shares debuting at a 16% premium. This marked a pivotal shift from family-owned private entity to publicly traded company, enhancing access to capital markets while committing to aggressive rollouts targeting underserved areas.

Modern Expansion and Strategic Shifts (2017–Present)

Following its 2016 public listing, Dis-Chem accelerated its store network expansion, targeting a doubling of outlets to approximately 200 by 2022 through a combination of greenfield developments and opportunistic acquisitions. By 2025, the company had opened 20 new retail stores while closing three, achieving a net addition of 17 stores, contributing to a total of 333 outlets nationwide, comprising 286 Dis-Chem stores and 47 Dis-Chem Baby City stores. This growth exceeded initial post-listing targets, with the 300th store opening in on September 11, 2025, emphasizing strategic focus areas such as network augmentation via new builds and brownfield conversions. A pivotal strategic shift occurred in May 2020 with the R430 million acquisition of Baby City, a chain of 33 baby product retailers, enabling Dis-Chem to diversify beyond core offerings into specialized and toddler categories. The deal included plans for an additional 30 Baby City expansions, with subsequent integrations such as a flagship clinic launched in a Baby City store in 2021 to bundle healthcare services with retail. This move supported broader portfolio rationalization, including selective acquisitions and closures of underperforming sites, while adapting store formats—such as smaller footprints in dense urban areas and partnerships like Mediclinic integrations—to address space constraints and competition. Dis-Chem also pivoted toward digital and ancillary revenue streams, launching on-demand delivery in July 2021 and achieving 37.2% online sales growth in the year leading to fiscal 2025, where digital channels accounted for about 5% of total revenues. Plans include overhauling the platform with reintegrated loyalty programs and ambassador networks to boost penetration, alongside wholesale segment emphasis for efficiencies. Further shifts encompass private-label expansion to 20% of retail sales and entry into aid and services, with ambitions to add 30,000 square meters of retail space and achieve 40% trading area growth over three years ending around 2028. These initiatives aim to counter rivals like Clicks by enhancing market share in (targeting from 40.3% of combined duo sales post-2016) through integrated healthcare-retail models.

Business Operations

Retail and Product Offerings

Dis-Chem operates large-format discount stores averaging 1,297 square meters, featuring a central integrated with extensive non-pharmaceutical retail space to provide a one-stop experience for , , and household needs. Each store includes in-house clinics, wellness centers, and counters alongside merchandise displays designed for high-volume, value-driven . The core product range centers on prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, supplemented by and wellness items such as vitamins, minerals, remedies, tonics, homeopathic products, and health supplements. Beyond pharmacy essentials, offerings encompass and —including skincare, makeup, , bath and body products, and electrical beauty tools—personal care items, baby and products, professional haircare, and sexual wellness goods. General merchandise expands the assortment to include household cleaning and hygiene supplies, kitchen essentials, pet care, travel accessories, food items, toys, gift cards, and electrical products like health monitors and assistive devices. Dis-Chem stocks both third-party brands and its own private-label products, such as Dis-Chem branded electronics, medicinal aids, and bathroom essentials, which contribute higher margins and differentiate the chain through affordability and exclusivity. Products are available both in-store and via an online platform mirroring the physical assortment, enabling for medications, items, and broader consumer goods with options for delivery or in-store collection. This hybrid model supports accessibility while leveraging the discount pricing strategy pioneered by Dis-Chem since its early days as a wide-range retailer.

Healthcare and Ancillary Services

Dis-Chem provides primary healthcare through in-store clinics staffed by practitioners, offering services such as basic health checks, wellness assessments, management, blood tests, and STI testing, immunizations including flu and childhood vaccinations (with certain insurance exclusions for non-flu shots in children under six months), and female-specific screenings. These clinics emphasize preventative care and early risk detection to enable proactive health management. A distinctive feature is Clinic Connect, a nurse-led primary healthcare program launched to facilitate video consultations with on-call doctors for escalated needs, available at participating stores with appointments bookable via a central line (086 111 7427). In addition to direct clinic services, Dis-Chem offers Dis-Chem products targeting underserved populations with affordable day-to-day coverage, including medical starting at R509 per month for visits, , , (one annual eye exam and glasses pair), and maternity care; gap cover from R152 monthly to address shortfalls in medical aid payouts; and cover from R120 for emergency hospitalization. These plans provide access to the Prime Network of providers, encompassing , dentists, optometrists, hospitals, and pharmacies, with additional lifestyle benefits like counseling in higher tiers. Launched in 2022, the medical insurance aims to supplement or replace limited access by covering routine expenses not typically handled by plans. Optometry services are integrated via the Vision Works network, offering affordable eye tests (historically priced at R90 as of ) alongside prescriptions for , contact lenses, and related treatments, with benefits extending to one annual examination and frame/lens coverage. Dis-Chem also supports specialized eye care products and treatments available for purchase. Ancillary services complement healthcare with wellness-oriented offerings, including and beauty salons under the Salon Strategy brand in select stores, providing manicures, pedicures, , facials, and (e.g., neck and back massage with foot treatment for R480 as of early 2025). As of 2019, eight stores featured full salons and 100 included nail bars, expanding revenue streams beyond pharmaceuticals. Community clinics, such as those partnered with Afrikka Tikkun in Braam Park and since 2021, further extend accessible care to local underserved areas.

Wholesale Distribution and Supply Chain

Dis-Chem's wholesale operations are conducted through its dedicated segment, comprising CJ Wholesale and Dis-Chem Distribution, which distribute pharmaceuticals, , and products to both internal retail outlets and external third-party clients, including independent pharmacies. This structure enables the group to service its own network of stores while generating additional revenue from external wholesale activities, with CJ Distribution handling logistics for franchise partners under the The Local Choice (TLC) banner. The wholesale arm maintains a national footprint supported by warehouses in , , Delmas, and the , facilitating efficient product flow across . In terms of , Dis-Chem emphasizes in-house control of distribution to minimize reliance on external providers, thereby reducing costs and enhancing reliability in product delivery to its 274 stores as of early 2025. This integrated approach includes sourcing from manufacturers, inbound , and outbound distribution optimized for timely replenishment, with investments in technology such as crowdsourced delivery networks via partners like Picup to support last-mile efficiency for select services. To bolster capacity amid expansion plans, the group announced the acquisition of a 63,000 square meter for R502 million in June 2023, aimed at supporting a potential doubling of its store count through enhanced warehousing and infrastructure. Dis-Chem Distribution Pty Ltd further extends the supply chain's operational scope, recording significant shipments—over 80,000 as of recent data—while importing to sustain stock levels for wholesale and retail demands. These efforts contribute to overall , though the model prioritizes to counter sector challenges like inventory management and in pharmaceutical handling.

Financial Performance

Revenue Growth and Profitability Metrics

Dis-Chem Group's revenue has exhibited consistent growth, driven primarily by retail pharmacy sales and wholesale operations. For the fiscal year ended 29 February 2024 (FY2024), group revenue reached R36.3 billion, reflecting an 11% increase from FY2023. This was followed by an 8.0% rise to R39.2 billion in the fiscal year ended 28 February 2025 (FY2025), with retail revenue contributing R33.6 billion (up 5.9%) and comparable store sales growing 4.1%. Over the trailing five years, revenue has compounded at an average annual rate of approximately 10%. Profitability metrics improved in FY2025 after a marginal dip in the prior year. increased 20% to R1.18 billion from R984.5 million in FY2024, elevating the to 3.0% from 2.7%. stood at 23.3% in the latest period, supported by efficient inventory management and cost controls amid inflationary pressures. In the interim period from 1 March to 31 August 2024, trading profit grew 13.7%, indicating sustained margin expansion into the subsequent .
Fiscal Year (Ended February)Revenue (R billion)YoY Growth (%)Net Income (R million)Profit Margin (%)
202436.311984.52.7
202539.28.01,1803.0

Acquisitions, Investments, and Capital Structure

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has expanded its operations through a series of acquisitions targeting complementary retail, distribution, and assets to bolster its market position in . In May 2020, the company announced plans to integrate Baby City retail stores into its , enhancing its baby care product offerings via existing infrastructure serviced by CJ Distribution. By October 2021, Dis-Chem acquired 100% of Pure Pharmacy Holdings, trading as Medicare Health, adding specialized outlets to its network. In April 2022, it purchased 100% of the share capital of CT Distribution Centre Proprietary Limited, KZN Warehouse Proprietary Limited, and Eleadora Proprietary Limited, strengthening its logistics and warehousing capabilities. Additional acquisitions included TLC , CJ Distribution, Quenets, and further Baby City assets, contributing to revenue growth amid integration efforts. More recent deals reflect a focus on joint ventures and property consolidation. On August 1, 2024, Dis-Chem acquired a 50% interest in OneSpark Proprietary Limited (also referenced as Diskin Life in some reports) for R155–156 million, aiming to expand healthcare service offerings. In September 2024, its subsidiary Dis-Chem Distribution gained full ownership of Columbia Falls Properties, which owns logistics facilities, following regulatory approval from the Competition Commission. These transactions, often financed through a mix of cash and operational synergies, have supported wholesale and retail expansion but increased integration costs. Beyond acquisitions, Dis-Chem invests heavily in , particularly store network expansion and capital expenditures for trading space. The company plans to increase its total trading space by approximately 40% over the three years ending 2027, driven by new store openings and refurbishments to capture . Investing activities in fiscal 2025 included R156 million for the OneSpark stake alongside expansion capex focused on retail footprint and enhancements. These investments prioritize resilient consumer staples distribution, with wholesale revenue growth offsetting retail pressures. Dis-Chem maintains a capital structure characterized by moderate leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.19–1.20 as of recent financials, reflecting prudent use of debt to fund acquisitions and expansions without excessive risk. Total debt stood at around ZAR 4.97 billion as of December 2023, comprising short-term and long-term obligations totaling roughly ZAR 6.23 billion more recently, balanced against equity to support net working capital needs. The structure includes liabilities of ZAR 10.2 billion due within one year and ZAR 3.85 billion longer-term, enabling sensible financing for growth while maintaining investment-grade-like stability in a competitive retail environment. As a JSE-listed entity, it relies on retained earnings, operational cash flows, and periodic equity issuances alongside debt to optimize its weighted average cost of capital, estimated with a cost of equity around 12.29% and cost of debt at 10.68%.

Leadership and Governance

Founders, Family Involvement, and Key Executives

Dis-Chem Pharmacies was founded in 1978 by pharmacists Ivan Leon Saltzman and Lynette Frances Saltzman, a husband-and-wife duo, who opened the first store as a small in Mondeor, , with an initial investment of approximately R1,000. The founders, both qualified pharmacists, built the business on a model combining pharmaceutical dispensing with retail and products, expanding from a single outlet to a national chain over subsequent decades. The Saltzman family has maintained significant involvement in Dis-Chem's operations and ownership since inception, reflecting its status as a family-controlled enterprise. Ivan Saltzman served as CEO for 45 years until stepping down on June 30, 2023, while Lynette Saltzman has held roles including managing director and remains an executive director. The couple's sons—Saul Eytan Saltzman, Dan Saltzman, and Mark Saltzman—have participated in leadership and shareholding; Saul served as executive director for 19 years before announcing his resignation effective February 2026, and in June 2025, Ivan gifted a 25% stake (217 million shares valued at R6.8 billion) to Dan and Mark. Despite recent transitions, the family retains substantial ownership and advisory influence, including Ivan's ongoing input on site selection strategies. Key executives as of 2025 include CEO Rui Manuel Morais, who assumed the role on July 1, 2023, following Ivan Saltzman's tenure, with prior experience as the company's CFO since 2016. CFO Julia Denise Pope was appointed in 2023, overseeing financial operations. Executive directors encompass family members such as Lynette Saltzman (managing director) and Ivan Saltzman, alongside independent board members like Chairman Laurence Michael Nestadt. These leaders guide Dis-Chem's strategy amid public listing since 2016 and ongoing expansions.

Recent Management Transitions and Succession

In June 2023, Dis-Chem co-founder Ivan Saltzman stepped down as group CEO after more than four decades of involvement in the company, with former Rui Morais assuming the role effective July 1, 2023; Saltzman retained his position as an . This transition marked a shift from founder-led management to professional executive oversight, amid the company's expansion into non-pharmaceutical retail segments. On October 7, 2025, Dis-Chem announced the of Saul Saltzman, son of founders Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, effective February 2026, following nearly 20 years in senior leadership roles including oversight of operations and strategy. Saltzman, who joined the board post the company's 2010 JSE listing, will transition to a position, signaling further professionalization of the board while the founding family maintains influence through shareholdings exceeding 50%. CEO Morais described the family's ongoing involvement as supportive rather than operational, emphasizing a deliberate succession process to ensure continuity. These changes have been viewed by analysts as indicative of maturing , potentially enhancing investor confidence by reducing perceptions of family dominance and aligning with institutional preferences for independent leadership. No immediate successor appointments for Saltzman's executive role were disclosed, with the board prioritizing internal talent development for future transitions.

Controversies and Challenges

Pricing and Regulatory Scrutiny (2020 Incident)

In March 2020, amid South Africa's national lockdown due to the , Dis-Chem Pharmacies Ltd increased prices on surgical face masks, prompting public complaints received by the Competition Commission from at least 28 March 2020. The Commission investigated these hikes, finding that Dis-Chem had raised prices on three types of masks—SFM50 by 261%, SFM5 by 43%, and Folio50 by 25%—without corresponding cost increases, in violation of section 8(1) of the , which prohibits excessive pricing, especially during the declared state of disaster under regulation 4 of the Disaster Management Act. On 23 April 2020, the Commission referred the matter to the Competition Tribunal, alleging the pricing disadvantaged consumers amid heightened demand for essential hygienic goods. On 7 July 2020, the ruled that Dis-Chem contravened the Act by engaging in excessive pricing, describing the conduct as "reprehensible" given the crisis and the company's dominant position in pharmaceutical retail. The imposed an administrative penalty of R1.2 million, far below the Commission's requested 10% of Dis-Chem's annual turnover, citing the need to balance deterrence with proportionality. Dis-Chem admitted the price increases but contested the applicability of the excessive pricing , arguing it lacked market dominance; however, the rejected this, affirming that the provision applied during the emergency regardless of dominance thresholds. Dis-Chem filed an appeal to the Competition Appeal Court but withdrew it on 21 2020, stating that ongoing reputational damage outweighed potential legal gains, thereby accepting the Tribunal's ruling and penalty. The Commission welcomed the withdrawal, emphasizing it reinforced accountability for profiteering on essentials during crises. This case marked one of the early enforcement actions under South Africa's expanded excessive pricing rules invoked for , highlighting regulatory focus on retail conduct in supply-constrained markets.

Employment Policies and Public Backlash (2022 Moratorium)

In September 2022, Dis-Chem CEO Ivan Saltzman issued an internal memorandum to announcing a moratorium on the appointment or promotion of white individuals, particularly at managerial levels, to accelerate the company's compliance with South Africa's employment equity targets under (BEE) legislation. The memo, dated September 19, 2022, explicitly stated that no white candidates would be considered for open positions until demographic representation goals were met and tied managerial performance evaluations to achieving these racial quotas. The document leaked to the public shortly thereafter, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of against . Advocacy groups such as the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) launched a "Stop Racism at Dis-Chem" campaign, highlighting the policy as a violation of merit-based hiring and driven by legally mandated racial preferences that they argued exacerbated rather than addressing it. Public backlash included calls for boycotts, with amplifying criticisms that the moratorium institutionalized reverse amid South Africa's 32.9% rate as of Q3 2022, where white was lower at around 7.5% but the policy ignored skills shortages in underrepresented groups. Dis-Chem initially defended the memo's intent to prioritize transformation but withdrew it on October 17, 2022, issuing an apology for its tone while reaffirming commitment to equity targets; the board emphasized that the policy aimed to reflect national demographics, where whites comprised about 8% of the but held disproportionate senior roles at the company. By November 2022, the company formally rescinded the moratorium amid ongoing pressure, though CEO Saltzman later stated in interviews that underlying hiring practices had not fundamentally changed, as they remained aligned with B-BBEE requirements. The controversy resulted in measurable financial repercussions, with Dis-Chem's Rui Morais disclosing in November 2022 that group sales declined following the leak's publicity, attributing the drop to customer backlash. In its 2023 , the company acknowledged the incident cost hundreds of millions of rands in lost revenue, including from alienated clientele who shifted to competitors like Clicks. Legal threats emerged from affected employees and unions like , though most did not proceed to court, and the episode underscored tensions between corporate adherence to race-based laws and public demands for color-blind employment practices.

References

  1. https://markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/profile?s=DCP:JNB
  2. https://dailyinvestor.com/business/63727/the-couple-who-founded-a-r30-billion-pharmacy-chain-in-south-africa/
  3. https://www.forbesafrica.com/cover-story/2018/03/29/from-1000-to-over-a-billion/
  4. https://trendtype.com/news/dis-chem-reports-an-8-year-on-year-increase-in-revenues-in-fy2025/
  5. https://supermarket.co.za/index.php/retailer-trading-results/7151-dis-chem-projects-double-digit-profit-growth-for-2025
  6. https://www.dischem.co.za/about-dis-chem
  7. https://pensionsworldsa.co.za/q1-2025/an-attractive-company-in-a-resilient-sector-the-case-for-dis-chem/
  8. https://www.biznews.com/news/bee-minefield-dis-chem-blunder
  9. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/637183/solidarity-to-launch-legal-action-against-dis-chem-over-no-whites-policy-heres-why-it-thinks-it-has-a-case/
  10. https://www.healthcaremea.com/pharmacy-giant-dis-chem-faces-regulatory-scrutiny-and-potential-fines-amid-data-breach-controversy/
  11. https://www.news24.com/business/companies/fake-fragrance-frenzy-dis-chem-pulls-popular-brand-pending-probe-20241003
  12. https://www.businessday.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2023-06-04-ivan-saltzman-my-career-highlight-was-taking-dis-chem-public/
  13. https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/DCPJ.J
  14. https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/SENS_20250221_S501068.pdf
  15. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/south-africas-dis-chem-pharmacies-posts-annual-profit-jump-declares-final-2025-05-30/
  16. https://www.coronation.com/en-us/institutional/latest-insights/investment-views/dis-chem-october-2024/
  17. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/67569/clicks-versus-dis-chem/
  18. https://www.reveal-insights.com/researches/battle-of-the-pharmacy-giants
  19. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dis-chem-pharmacies-ltd-jse-070026821.html
  20. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/840662/major-threat-coming-after-clicks-and-dis-chem-in-south-africa/
  21. https://www.listcorp.com/jse/dcp/dis-chem-pharmacies-limited
  22. https://static.theceomagazine.com/content/downloads/pdf/EMEA_2018_April_Ivan_Saltzman_DIS-CHEM_Healthcare-Pharmaceutical.pdf
  23. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/dis-chem-pharmacies
  24. https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/son-of-africas-retail-tycoon-steps-down-as-dollar14bn-dynasty-enters-new-chapter/72dlxst
  25. https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/dis-chem-growing-stronger-stronger-dis-chem-founded-1979-considered-pioneer-discount-pharm-q118372274
  26. https://livinginsatv.com/facts-you-didnt-know-about-dis-chem-pharmacies/
  27. https://www.insiderchronicle.co.za/saltzman-brothers-inherit-r6-8-billion-stake-in-dis-chem/
  28. https://www.africa-business.com/directory/business/158ca644a5/Dis-Chem-Pharmacies
  29. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/839363/end-of-an-era-for-47-year-old-south-african-retail-giant/
  30. https://radarr.africa/dis-chems-saltzman-brothers-inherit-r6-8-billion-shares/
  31. https://www.sajr.co.za/dis-chem-s-lynette-saltzman-building-a-business-empire-that-cares/
  32. https://www.atterbury.co.za/dis-chem-pharmacists-who-care/
  33. https://businessreport.co.za/economy/2014-04-01-dis-chem-continues-expansion/
  34. https://www.sharenet.co.za/v3/sens_display.php?tdate=20161017075000&seq=6
  35. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2016-10-31-dis-chem-shows-off-a-pretty-margin/
  36. https://www.globalcapital.com/article/28msrqy8feiib5agdyp4n/equity/equity-ipos/sas-dis-chem-preps-ipo-for-rapid-pharmacy-growth
  37. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/finance/south-africas-dis-chem-to-raise-up-359-million-in-jse-listing-idUSKCN12S15V/
  38. https://www.sharenet.co.za/v3/sens_display.php?tdate=20161028075600&seq=3
  39. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/141597/dis-chem-reveals-listing-date-on-the-jse/
  40. https://www.globalcapital.com/article/28msrqy8feiib5aif8nid/equity/equity-ipos/dis-chem-rises-16-on-debut-after-r4-4bn-ipo
  41. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/companies-and-deals/dis-chems-jse-listing-could-pull-in-up-to-r25bn-market-cap/
  42. https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/south-african-pharmacy-chain-dis-chem-to-double-in-size-by-2022/
  43. https://www.businessday.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2025-07-03-dis-chems-growth-plan-runs-up-against-space-crunch-and-competition/
  44. https://www.retailbriefafrica.co.za/pharmacy/dis-chems-300th-store-opening-exceeds-target-set-at-2016-listing/
  45. https://www.sharedata.co.za/data/016776/pdfs/DIS-CHEM_ar_feb24.pdf
  46. https://www.capetownetc.com/news/dis-chem-buys-baby-city/
  47. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/dis-chem-pharmacies-announces-acquisition-of-baby-city-idUSFWN2CW1FS/
  48. https://supermarket.co.za/index.php/on-the-move/5488-a-year-ago-dis-chem-paid-r430-million-for-baby-city-it-just-opened-a-flagship-clinic-under-that-brand
  49. https://www.tradeintelligence.co.za/Reports/Retailer/dis-chem/News
  50. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bt/business-and-economy/2025-06-01-dis-chem-scramble-to-keep-up-with-rivals/
  51. https://techcentral.co.za/dis-chem-gets-serious-about-e-commerce/170488/
  52. https://www.coronation.com/en-za/personal/latest-insights/investment-views/an-attractive-company-in-a-resilient-sector-january-2025/
  53. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/797190/dis-chem-readies-next-big-move-in-south-africa/
  54. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/79029/dis-chem-medical-aid-win/
  55. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/2817/dis-chem-versus-clicks-in-different-segments/
  56. https://www.swotandpestle.com/dis-chem-pharmacies-swot-pestle
  57. https://www.dischem.co.za/sitemap.html
  58. https://www.dischem.co.za/beauty
  59. https://www.dischem.co.za/shop-by-department/household
  60. https://www.dischem.co.za/shop-by-department/brands/brands-d/dis-chem
  61. https://www.online.fnbci.co.uk/blog/investments/articles/TradeIdea-20_06_23/
  62. https://www.dischem.co.za/shop-by-department
  63. https://www.dischem.co.za/health-clinic
  64. https://www.dischem.co.za/dis-chem-clinics
  65. https://www.dischem.co.za/clinic-connect
  66. https://dischemhealth.co.za/
  67. https://www.news24.com/life/wellness/body/dis-chems-medical-insurance-is-aimed-at-sas-under-served-population-heres-what-it-can-get-you-20221130-2
  68. https://medicalaid.com/health-insurance/dischem/myhealth-core/
  69. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156107356940794&id=364588310793&set=a.10150234033310794
  70. https://www.dischem.co.za/shop-by-department/health/eye-care/eye-treatments
  71. https://www.dischem.co.za/salon-strategy
  72. https://www.sharedata.co.za/data/016776/pdfs/DIS-CHEM_ar_feb19.pdf
  73. https://www.dischem.co.za/community-clinics
  74. https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2024/jse/isse/dcpe/FY24.pdf
  75. https://www.tradeintelligence.co.za/Reports/Retailer/dis-chem
  76. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/18912897
  77. https://www.coronation.com/globalassets/repository/insights/2025/january/dischem/coronation-an-attractive-company-in-a-resilient-sector.pdf
  78. https://www.intelligentcio.com/africa/2020/06/01/dis-chem-pharmacies-use-tech-to-enhance-delivery/
  79. https://news.sap.com/africa/2023/06/dis-chem-acquiring-a-r502m-distribution-centre-to-launch-store-growth/
  80. https://www.trademo.com/companies/dischem-dist-ribution-pty-ltd/31454985
  81. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dis-chem-pharmacies-full-2024-054647295.html
  82. https://www.listcorp.com/jse/dcp/dis-chem-pharmacies-limited/news/audited-annual-consolidated-results-for-the-twelve-months-ended-28-february-2025-3196151.html
  83. https://simplywall.st/stocks/za/consumer-retailing/jse-dcp/dis-chem-pharmacies-shares/past
  84. https://www.webull.com/news/12908741367915520
  85. https://www.sharedata.co.za/data/016776/pdfs/DIS-CHEM_int_aug24.pdf
  86. https://thevault.exchange/?get_group_doc=6262/1589534071-PublishedSENS.pdf
  87. https://www.ghostmail.co.za/are-you-dancing-with-dis-chem/
  88. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/65002/dis-chem-showed-strong-growth-but-it-came-at-a-cost/
  89. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/DCP.JO/earnings/DCP.JO-H2-2025-earnings_call-351456.html
  90. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2024-09-09-watchdog-gives-nod-to-dis-chems-acquisition-of-columbia-falls-properties/
  91. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/safricas-dis-chem-profit-rises-new-acquisitions-medicine-demand-2022-05-23/
  92. https://mlq.ai/stocks/DCP.JO/debt-equity-ratio/
  93. https://www.gurufocus.com/term/debt-to-equity/JSE:DCP
  94. https://tradingeconomics.com/dcp:sj:debt
  95. https://mlq.ai/stocks/DCP.JO/debt/
  96. https://simplywall.st/stocks/za/consumer-retailing/jse-dcp/dis-chem-pharmacies-shares/news/dis-chem-pharmacies-jsedcp-seems-to-use-debt-quite-sensibly-1
  97. https://www.alphaspread.com/security/jse/dcp/discount-rate
  98. https://www.sajr.co.za/lynette-and-ivan-saltzman-the-chemistry-of-dis-chem/
  99. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/784/238381.html
  100. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/DCP.JO/profile/
  101. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/companies-and-deals/dis-chem-founder-gifts-r6-8bn-stake-to-sons/
  102. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/828938/the-two-south-african-brothers-who-just-inherited-r6-8-billion-from-a-pharmaceutical-empire/
  103. https://www.news24.com/business/companies/dis-chem-founding-family-takes-backseat-but-still-involved-ceo-20251012-1109
  104. https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/dis-chem-pharmacies-limited/executives/
  105. https://theorg.com/org/dis-chem-pharmacies
  106. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/DIS-CHEM-PHARMACIES-LIMIT-33950974/company-governance/
  107. https://www.news24.com/business/companies/son-of-dis-chem-founder-resigns-as-exec-20251007-1034
  108. https://www.marketscreener.com/news/dis-chem-pharmacies-limited-announces-resignation-of-saul-saltzman-as-executive-director-and-member-ce7d5ad8d08ff423
  109. https://www.businessday.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2025-10-08-dis-chems-leadership-changes-could-boost-investor-confidence/
  110. https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/dis-chem-changes-boost-investor-confidence/
  111. https://www.compcom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COMPETITION-TRIBUNAL-FINDS-DISCHEM-GUILTY-OF-INFLATING-MASK-PRICES-DURING-COVID-19-DISASTER.pdf
  112. http://blogs.sun.ac.za/ccle/files/2020/07/Public-Reasons-CC-v-Dischem-CR008Apr20.pdf
  113. https://www.news24.com/business/dis-chem-fined-r12-million-after-losing-price-gouging-case-for-surgical-masks-20200707
  114. https://www.compcom.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/COMMISSION-WELCOMES-WITHDRAWAL-OF-APPEAL-BY-DISCHEM-.pdf
  115. https://africanantitrust.com/2020/07/15/south-africas-second-price-gouging-case-dis-chem-penalised-for-excessive-pricing-re-face-masks/
  116. https://www.news24.com/business/companies/dis-chem-race-row-five-months-later-some-customers-left-legal-threats-abandoned-20230304
  117. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2022-10-20-dis-chems-no-whites-employment-equity-plan-is-irrational-and-unlawful/
  118. https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/635475/dis-chem-responds-to-outrage-and-boycott-over-no-whites-letter/
  119. https://irr.org.za/campaigns/stop-racism-at-dis-chem
  120. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-10-21-the-grim-racial-stats-behind-the-dis-chem-furore/
  121. https://www.news24.com/business/companies/just-in-dis-chem-withdraws-moratorium-on-hiring-of-whites-20221017
  122. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/5658/dis-chem-no-whites-policy-officially-withdrawn/
  123. https://irr.org.za/media/has-dis-chem-changed-its-hiring-policies
  124. https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/5024/dis-chem-sales-suffer-after-no-whites-policy/
  125. https://iol.co.za/news/2023-11-08-dis-chem-admits-no-whites-letter-and-backlash-cost-the-pharmacy-hundreds-of-millions/
  126. https://www.abgross.co.za/solidarity-trade-union-dischem-transformation-policy/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.