Priceline in particular is working well for API and I expect in...

Priceline in particular is working well for API and I expect in years ahead will be the strongest brand in Pharmacy & Health and Beauty retailing.

In contrast to Sigma, API's offer to pharmacy has been consistant and provided a level playing field which in the long run will earn the respect it deserves. A lot of us were pretty upset with the preferential treatment given to some particular discount chains. We were subsidising the very proprietors that were out to cut our throats.

I wonder how Pfizer's costing numbers a stacking up in their arrangement with DHL. Promises that they could introduce a Saturday delevery to solve the delivery delay (Monday)after receipt of orders place later than 4pm on Thursdays have not been forthcoming! Are margins too thin?

What suprised me was that Pfizer still wanted the wholesalers to distribute their OTC lines. I would have said to Pfizer - all or nothing and suggest they have DHL try and handle the messy logistics of OTC inventory and distribution as well (turnover orders, variable discount levels, staged delivery). I would have played hard ball.