Medicap Pharmacy selling to Sterling Pharmacy - Austin Daily Herald
Sale becomes official on Nov. 1, with an eye of consolidating pharmacy teams at Medicap site sometime in 2025
Two pharmacies in Austin are in the process of becoming one.
In a letter to patients, Pharmacist Jon Engelhardt of Medicap Pharmacy announced that he and his wife Ginger were selling their business to Sterling Pharmacy. The sale will be official on Nov. 1.
The Engelhardt's have owned and operated Medicap for 27 years, but decided to sell the business because of a desire to step back from ownership responsibilities and a desire to spend more time with family.
However, the letter also mentioned financial strains on pharmacies over the last several years that have resulted in both independent and national chains closing as another reason to step back.
In selling the business, the Engelhardts noted a desire to find the right partnership to continue serving customers.
"Like Medicap, Sterling is an Austin-based, family-owned independent pharmacy with deep roots in the local community," Engelhardt said in the letter. "They have also demonstrated that they are willing to commit resources and capital to the long-term growth, continuity, and future of our business. Put simply, we are stronger together."
It's also a chance for Engelhardt to come full circle. For 10 years, between 1986 and 1996, Engelhardt had worked for the Astrup family at Sterling Drug when it was situated where Ace Hardware currently is. He has been hired once again by Sterling.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to wind down my career with them as your pharmacist and as a part of the Sterling team once again," Engelhardt said.
Engelhardt stressed that very little would change, with customers still able to pick up prescriptions at the Medicap. Staff currently at Medicap have also been offered positions and that at some point in 2025 the two pharmacy teams will merge and operate out of the current Medicap building.
"We are working with Sterling to make the transition as smooth as possible, but please understand that there may be a few bumps in the road," Engelhardt stated. "Thank you for your loyalty over the years. I look forward to continuing to serve you and your family for many years to come."
