Guardian Lifecare to open 150 centres investing Rs 100 cr

Chennai, Mar 31 (UNI) Guardian Lifecare, a leading retail pharmacy chain, would be investing Rs 100 crore to open 150 new stores across the country, as part of its expansion plans.

Guardian Lifecare CMD Ashutosh Garg said in a release, ''by the end of March 2009, we would add another 150 stores across India.

Currently, we are advancing at the rate of almost two new stores every week. Our employee strength also will be doubled within an year.'' The company was intended to make a foray into the Western India market, he added.

''Our stores are based on four models - high street stores, mail stores, hospital stores and personal stores,'' he said, adding ''we also have a rural and semi-urban format under the brand name - Aushadhi.'' He also pointed out that the Indian retail pharmacy market was growing at a annual rate of ten to 12 per cent, it added.

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