What Astera does

Astera is a French cooperative group (société anonyme à forme coopérative) headquartered in Rouen and operating since 1919, positioning itself as 'the first cooperative of pharmacists in France'. It serves independent pharmacy owners (sociétaires coopérateurs) by aggregating collective purchasing power and providing an integrated suite of services covering the full pharmacy value chain: pharmaceutical wholesale distribution (grossiste-répartiteur), home-care logistics (MAD), pharmacy management software, teleconsultation, equipment financing, training, geomarketing, and merchandising support. The group serves its members primarily through 32 CERP regional wholesale agencies and 27 Oxypharm home-care agencies delivering daily across France, plus a Belgian operation (CERP Belgium).

The group's technology stack includes proprietary pharmacy management software (LEO LGO), an interactive in-pharmacy tablet (TOMI), a teleconsultation platform integrated with Maiia (over 4,000 doctors), a purchasing optimization application (Webuy supporting Pharma-ML order messages), and a member digital portal (Agora). Logistics operations are supported by voice-directed order preparation (ZetesMedea), temperature-controlled cold chain with RFID traceability (Fastmooving Bac Tracking), and automated restocking across 32,000+ pharmaceutical and 5,000+ veterinary references. Distribution and software serve as the operational backbone for member pharmacies.

Astera's business model is multi-stream and member-anchored: wholesale distribution generates transaction-fee revenue on a 32,000+ reference assortment; La Centrale des Pharmaciens provides group purchasing through 177 laboratory partnerships (5,500+ references) on negotiated rebate economics; software and digital services (LEO, TOMI, DigiPage, Téléconsult') generate recurring subscription-style revenue; Eurolease and Pharm'Install provide equipment and installation financing; and private-label products (Vitadomîa, BabyCharm) contribute direct product revenue. Members commit to a minimum monthly turnover of €7,500 HT, creating recurring baseline demand. Subsidiaries span the value chain: CERP and CERP Belgium (wholesale), Oxypharm (home care), Isipharm/LEO (software), Eurolease (financing), Cedivet (veterinary), La Centrale des Pharmaciens (purchasing central), Vitadomîa (MAD products), and Santalis (retail concept). In 2024, Astera reinforced scale through the merger creating CERP and the PharmaDom fusion.

Name

Astera

Legal name

ASTERA, société anonyme à forme coopérative au capital variable

Website

https://astera.coop

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Astera is a French pharmaceutical cooperative (founded 1919) serving independent pharmacy owners through wholesale distribution, digital tools, financing, training, and home-care services across a national network of CERP and Oxypharm agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Wholesale Distribution

NAICS

Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Line Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (HLAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty Pharmaceutical Distributors (HLAIAJAB), Pharmacy Front-End & Sundries Distribution (Health & Wellness, Personal Care, Convenience) (CRAOAHAG)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical wholesale distribution
• Pharmacy cooperative services
• Pharmacy management software
• Home healthcare logistics
• Group purchasing organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Rouen

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Wholesale Distribution: Core revenue stream from distributing pharmaceutical products to member pharmacies. Each sociétaire coopérateur commits to a minimum monthly turnover of €7,500 HT. The cooperative provides 32,000 pharmaceutical references and 5,000+ veterinary references through its distribution network.
2. Group Purchasing & Centralized Buying: La Centrale des Pharmaciens provides centralized purchasing power with 177 laboratories and 5,500+ pharmaceutical references. Revenue generated through negotiated commercial conditions and volume-based rebates passed to member pharmacies.
3. Digital Services & Software: Revenue from pharmacy management software (LEO), digital tools (TOMI tablet, DigiPage, E-affiche), teleconsultation platform, and e-commerce solutions (Vitadomia.com, LEOboutique) offered to member pharmacies.
4. Equipment Financing (Eurolease): Financial services through subsidiary Eurolease providing equipment leasing solutions for pharmacies, including fast approval (same-day response, funds in 48h), cooperative pricing, and tax optimization benefits.
5. Private Label Products (Vitadomîa): Sale of proprietary brand products (~100 references) for healthcare professionals and individuals through member pharmacies, including medical equipment, mobility aids, and hygiene products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Astera is a cooperative of independent pharmacists in France providing pharmaceutical wholesale distribution of 32,000+ references through 32 CERP agencies, plus digital tools (LEO pharmacy software, TOMI tablet, teleconsultation, Webuy purchasing platform), home care services via 27 Oxypharm agencies, collective purchasing through La Centrale des Pharmaciens (177 laboratories, 5,500+ references), member financing (Eurolease, Pharm'Install), training (CERP Rouen Formation), and merchandising services. Members commit to a minimum monthly turnover of €7,500 HT.

Product overview

Astera is a pharmaceutical cooperative (first cooperative of pharmacists in France) offering a comprehensive platform of products and services organized across four main solution categories: Faciliter (supply and procurement), Digitaliser (digital solutions), Réussir (project support), and Développer (performance development). The core software products include LEO (pharmacy management software), Agora (digital portal), and Tablette TOMI (interactive tablet). The ecosystem integrates Webuy (group purchasing), Vitadomia.com (MAD Click & Collect), and Téléconsult' (teleconsultation via Maiia partnership). Supporting products span procurement collections (32,000 pharmaceutical references, veterinary, MAD), financial services (Anabil, Budgetis, Eurolease), merchandising solutions (Merch'agencement, Optimerch'), quality services (BQS, Démarche Qualité ISO 9001), geomarketing tools (Géofficine, GéoMAD), and professional training (CERP Rouen Formation with e-learning, virtual classrooms, in-person sessions). The Mad ecosystem includes Pharma.Relais, PCMAD, and Babyshow for home care services. The group operates through subsidiaries including CERP, Oxypharm, Santalis, and La Centrale des Pharmaciens.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LEO: Pharmacy management software solution for optimal office management
• Santalis
• Oxypharm
• Vitadomîa
• CERP
• BabyCharm
• PCMAD
• Pharm'Install
• Pharma.Relais
• Agora
• TOMI
• Fastissimo
• La Centrale des Pharmaciens
• Bien-Être & Santé
• Les Pharmaciens Associés
• CERP Rouen Formation
• Eurolease

Products and services

• LEO Pharmacy Management Software (LGO - Logiciel de Gestion Officinale) Proprietary pharmacy management software with ergonomics adapted to French officine teams, providing management, simplicity, and predictive technology for optimal pharmacy operations. Sold to member and non-member pharmacies by the Isipharm subsidiary.
• Collection Répartition (Pharmaceutical Distribution) Main pharmaceutical distribution collection with 32,000 references, supported by optimized logistics, automatic restocking, ZetesMedea voice-directed order preparation, and RFID-enabled cold chain traceability. Delivered through 32 CERP regional agencies twice daily.
• Oxypharm MAD Collection (Home Care) Home care (Maintien à Domicile) product collection with more than 5,000 medical device references, ISO 9001 certified selection, delivered via 27 Oxypharm agencies with rapid and flexible delivery.
• Collection Vétérinaire (Cedivet) Veterinary collection with over 5,000 references including more than 1,000 Petfood references, supported by technical expertise and commercial conditions in synergy with laboratories.
• La Centrale des Pharmaciens (Purchasing Central) Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) providing 177 laboratory partnerships and over 5,500 pharmaceutical references with negotiated commercial conditions, 48-72 hour delivery, and a single contact for simplified management. White-label catalog option available for member groupements.
• Téléconsult' (Teleconsultation Service) Teleconsultation service via the Maiia partnership, enabling pharmacies to offer medical teleconsultations with over 4,000 doctors, with or without pharmacist assistance, using a connected objects platform and customizable pharmacy branding.
• Eurolease Equipment Financing Equipment financing via financial leasing offering same-day response, competitive cooperative rates, zero additional fees, free TVA financing, transfer option in case of pharmacy sale, and tax optimization adapted to pharmacy fiscality.
• Pharm'Install Installation Financing Bank loan backed by CERP for new pharmacists establishing a pharmacy, complementing personal contribution with up to 8-year capital repayment franchise.
• Agora Digital Portal Digital portal for Astera shareholder pharmacists providing access to online ordering, promotions, laboratory partnerships, accounting documents, online statistics, and all group digital services.
• Webuy Group Purchasing Platform Digital purchasing optimization application for group members, enabling access to group and Astera catalogs, grouped order management, platform stock management, and integration with LEO via the Pharma-ML order message standard.
• Vitadomia.com MAD Click & Collect Click & Collect website for home care (MAD) products exclusive to Pharmaciens Conseil MAD clients, with geolocation to find nearby pharmacies and access to over 5,000 medical device references. Also offers Click & Drive for nurses to reserve materials.
• Tablette TOMI (In-Pharmacy Digital Tablet) Digital tablet solution that reinvents the patient experience through in-pharmacy health screening tests, service discovery, price lookup, promotion visibility, appointment booking, and product video consultations.
• CERP Rouen Formation (Pharmacy Training) Training subsidiary (founded 2015) offering in-person sessions near pharmacies, e-learning available 24/7, virtual classrooms, and blended learning formats covering operational, regulatory, and commercial topics for pharmacy staff.
• Démarche Qualité (ISO 9001 QMS Pharma Certification Program) Quality approach implementation with Pharma System Qualité ISO 9001 QMS Pharma certification including annual self-evaluation, triennial audits, and patient satisfaction tools, aimed at improving pharmacy operations and outcomes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18,000 € average annual savings for pharmacies implementing quality certification (Démarche Qualité)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MaiiacoreTechnology or IntegrationMaiia provides teleconsultation platform for Astera member pharmacies. The service offers access to over 4,000 doctors with availability within 3-7 minutes depending on time of day. Pharmacies can offer teleconsultation with or without pharmacist assistance, with customizable platform branding.
• Les Pharmaciens Associés (The Associated Pharmacists)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of associated pharmacists under the Pharma.Relais program for coordinated home care. Members benefit from exclusive services including vitadomia.com site creation, BabyShow solutions, and coordinated patient care protocols.
• 177 Laboratories (La Centrale des Pharmaciens)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaboratory partnerships through La Centrale des Pharmaciens purchasing group providing access to 5,500+ pharmaceutical references with negotiated commercial conditions for member pharmacies.
• Isabelle Fouassier and Isabelle GeilerminorOthersAuthors of 'Le conseil en allaitement à l'officine' (breastfeeding consultation guide) integrated into the BabyShow solution for pharmacy maternal care services.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Alliance Healthcare France: One of the leading pharmaceutical wholesalers in France (part of Walgreens Boots Alliance), distributing to pharmacies with daily deliveries. Directly comparable to Astera's CERP wholesale-distribution business on product breadth, customer base (independent pharmacies), and grossiste-répartiteur regulatory role.
• OCP Répartition: Major French pharmaceutical wholesale distributor serving independent pharmacies with daily deliveries and a broad catalog. Closely mirrors Astera's CERP network as a competitor for both distribution volume and value-added pharmacy services.
• Phoenix Pharma France: French arm of the European PHOENIX Group, offering pharmaceutical wholesale and pre-wholesale services. Comparable to Astera as a multi-site pharmaceutical wholesaler with adjacent services for pharmacies.

Broad incumbents

• Celesio France (McKesson Europe): European pharmaceutical distribution and pharmacy services incumbent (Lloyds Pharmacy, pharmacies in multiple countries). Operates at broader scale and across more countries than Astera, providing a public-market reference for valuation and best-practice comparison.
• McKesson Corporation: Global pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services giant. Relevant as a public-market benchmark for wholesale-distribution economics, scale, and digital services opportunity, even though its core franchise is North American.
• PHOENIX Group: Pan-European pharmaceutical wholesale leader operating in ~30 countries. Comparable to Astera at the European level for distribution network design, pharma services strategy, and M&A-driven expansion benchmarks.

Emerging players

• Giphar: Large French pharmacy buying group and banner network for independent pharmacies, offering centralized purchasing, signage, and services. Comparable to Astera's La Centrale des Pharmaciens arm on the groupement side and competes for the same independent-pharmacy member wallet.
• Plus Pharmacie: French independent-pharmacy banner and purchasing group providing centralized commercial conditions and services. Competes with Astera for independent pharmacy affiliation and overlaps with the cooperative's commercial-services offer.
• Aprium Pharmacie: Network of independent French pharmacies offering centralized purchasing and operational support. Competes with Astera's groupement and cooperative value proposition for independent pharmacist members.
• Welcoop (La Coopérative Welcoop): French healthcare cooperative group with pharmacy distribution and services activities. Closely comparable to Astera as a cooperative model operating in pharmaceutical wholesale and adjacent services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdIyGQJUnRSvejvEXKRbxlg?view_as=subscriber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cerppharma
• Xx.com/AsteraCoop

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Astera