Pharmx, Sigma Healthcare sign long-term EDI alliance

Pharmx has signed a multi-year strategic alliance with Sigma Healthcare, making Pharmx the preferred electronic data interchange (EDI) provider for Sigma's wholesale business and Chemist Warehouse retail operations across Australia and New Zealand.

The agreement integrates Pharmx's ordering and connectivity services more deeply into one of the region's largest pharmacy wholesale and retail networks. Sigma supplies more than 3,500 pharmacy customers. Its network includes more than 850 Chemist Warehouse, Amcal and Discount Drug Stores franchises in Australia, plus more than 90 stores across the Republic of Ireland, the UAE and New Zealand.

The alliance includes an equity investment by Sigma in Pharmx and a board seat. Sigma will subscribe for about 59.95 million Pharmx shares, equal to 10% of Pharmx's issued share capital. It also has an option to increase its stake to up to 19.9% over the term of the alliance, subject to shareholder approval where required.

Pharmx will pay Sigma an establishment fee of about AUD $8.7 million as part of the alliance and the longer-term services commitment.

Ordering backbone

Pharmx operates a pharmacy ordering network, connecting pharmacies with wholesalers, suppliers and technology vendors. The alliance will focus on improving the reliability, efficiency and transparency of ordering and supply-chain interactions.

In the first phase, Sigma will renew its existing agreements with Pharmx for EDI services for its wholesale business for a further five years. The deal also covers Chemist Warehouse retail operations across Australia and New Zealand, including support linked to growth plans in New Zealand.

In the second phase, Pharmx will expand services for Sigma into additional international markets and new solution areas. The companies also flagged collaboration on global EDI work and other digital services.

Any additional shares issued to Sigma would be priced at the 30-day volume-weighted average price before the relevant issue. Shares issued under the alliance will be subject to a three-year escrow period.

Sector context

Pharmacy supply chains depend on frequent ordering cycles, accurate catalogue data, and structured exchange of transaction documents between pharmacies, wholesalers and suppliers. EDI systems are widely used for purchase orders and related documents because they standardise the data exchanged between trading partners.

For Sigma, the agreement follows its 2025 merger with Chemist Warehouse Group. The combined group operates a large distribution and retail network across Australia and has expanded into overseas markets including New Zealand, Ireland and Dubai.

For Pharmx, the deal deepens its role in a market where scale and network reach matter, as many pharmacies and suppliers rely on shared connection layers for ordering and invoicing.

Executive comments

The companies described the partnership as an infrastructure arrangement aimed at streamlining pharmacy supply-chain interactions.

"This strategic, multi-year partnership with Sigma reflects a shared commitment to strengthening important infrastructure that underpins the pharmacy sector, whilst looking to create efficiencies in supply and ordering. By simplifying connectivity across the supply chain, driving data led insights and delivering modern ordering solutions, we are aiming to improve the everyday lives of those managing pharmacies," said Tom Culver, CEO, Pharmx.

"As an industry-first, independent platform, Pharmx continues to invest in the foundations that enable long-term, sustainable growth for the industry. We believe this partnership will help to deliver a simpler, more efficient, and cost-effective market, allowing pharmacies to reduce administrative burdens and giving them more time to spend focused on patient and community care," Culver said.

Sigma linked the alliance to a closer commercial relationship, as well as broader work on supply-chain performance and analytics.

"We are pleased to formalise this long-term partnership with Pharmx. The progress of Pharmx's product suite and the alignment of our growth objectives make this a compelling strategic fit. By investing in Pharmx, we move beyond a traditional supplier-customer relationship to a scalable partnership that reduces complexity, enhances supply chain performance, drives deeper analytics and creates value and growth opportunities for both organisations," said Vikesh Ramsunder, CEO, Sigma.

The first phase of the partnership starts on 23 February 2026.