Dispensing Pharmacy Bankruptcy Trends (FY2025): “Monzen” Pharmacies Near Hospitals Face Hardship; Bankruptcies to Hit 30 in FY2025, a Record High for Two Consecutive Years | Chiba TV Plus – Chiba Television Broadcasting

News Highlights

The number of dispensing pharmacy bankruptcies is expected to reach 30 in FY2025, marking a record high for two consecutive years. “Monzen” pharmacies, those adjacent to hospitals, are particularly struggling. This situation is thought to be influenced by a combination of factors, including intensified competition due to the advancement of medical and pharmaceutical separation, the impact of medical fee and drug price revisions, and the issue of a lack of successors.

Perspective from M&A Medical Editorial Department

The figure of 30 projected dispensing pharmacy bankruptcies for FY2025, as reported by Chiba TV Plus, goes beyond a mere industry trend and presents an urgent challenge for individual pharmacy owners. The particular hardship faced by “monzen” pharmacies suggests that location is no longer a guaranteed advantage. From the perspective of M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.), this should be viewed as a dual structural problem: “delayed business succession” and “lost opportunities for business revitalization.” Deteriorating financial indicators such as a worsening current ratio and consecutive years of operating losses narrow negotiation options the longer they are left unaddressed, ultimately increasing the likelihood of facing the worst-case scenario of business closure. Consulting with experts early on, for example, “at the first sign of a downturn into deficit,” is key to leaving room for negotiations on the release of personal guarantees and achieving smooth business succession while maintaining patient base and staff employment.

Points Highlighted by This News

• The projected 30 dispensing pharmacy bankruptcies in FY2025, a record high for two consecutive years, indicate a serious situation.
• The hardship faced by “monzen” pharmacies adjacent to hospitals reflects a decline in locational advantage and intensified competition.
• The more financial indicators deteriorate, the weaker negotiation power becomes in business succession, and the narrower the options become.
• Early consultation with experts is advantageous for negotiating terms such as the release of personal guarantees and maintaining patient and staff employment.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• What are the specific factors causing hardship for “monzen” pharmacies?
• Amidst increasing bankruptcy numbers, how can business succession through M&A be facilitated?
• What preparations should be made before financial conditions worsen?

If You Feel “Should I Consult Too?”

If your pharmacy is showing signs such as a “continuing trend of declining sales/profits,” “inability to find a successor,” or “deterioration of financial indicators,” it may be time to consult with an expert. Early consultation increases the possibility of negotiating the release of personal guarantees and achieving smooth business succession with minimal impact on patients and staff. You can see a concrete path to avoiding closure and passing your business on to the next generation.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics as a certified M&A support institution by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, on a full success fee basis. Consultations are handled with strict confidentiality. Free consultations are available here.