What Brocacef Group NV does

Brocacef Group NV is a Dutch pharmaceutical distribution, retail pharmacy, and healthcare services group operating exclusively in the Netherlands. The company runs two principal brands: Brocacef, which serves healthcare professionals and institutions (pharmacists, hospitals, care institutions, self-employed treatment centers, GP-dispensing practices, and pharmaceutical manufacturers), and BENU, which serves end consumers through a chain of approximately 350 pharmacies plus online sales via benu.nl. The group is wholly owned by Germany's PHOENIX Group, the European pharmaceutical wholesale and pharmacy leader operating in 29 countries, having consolidated to 100% ownership on October 31, 2022 following a prior 55%/45% joint ownership with McKesson Europe.

The company's core operational asset is a national distribution infrastructure comprising three fulfilment centers in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Deventer, supported by additional BREEAM-certified facilities in Ede and a custom-medication production plant in Zevenbergen. This network delivers approximately 700,000 medication packages per day via a fleet of 160 dual-temperature (15–25°C / 2–8°C) vehicles with active sensor-based temperature monitoring. Product and service offerings span medicines and medical device wholesale, central filling, custom medication (maatmedicatie and Baxterrol medication rolls), the Butterfly EAV unit-dose packaging system co-developed with Teva, hospital pharmacy services, ICT and equipment management, training, consultancy, and franchise operations under the BENU brand. The company also offers preventive health services (BENU Gezondheidscheck, Prostaatcheck) and clinical care programs for specialized medications.

Revenue is generated primarily through transactional wholesale distribution margins, retail pharmacy sales, and contracted services to hospitals, care institutions, and government customers including the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. The company reports approximately €2.4 billion in annual revenue, employs around 5,300 people, and serves 3.4 million BENU consumers. It is structured as a Dutch holding company (Brocacef Groep N.V.) with wholly-owned operating subsidiaries covering wholesale, hospital pharmacy, healthcare logistics, healthcare services, and central administration. The company holds a comprehensive certification stack including ISO 27001, NEN 7510, ISO 9001, GDP, WINap, DISW, IDW PS 980 compliance certification, and GDPR compliance.

Name

Brocacef Group NV

Legal name

Brocacef Groep N.V.

Website

https://brocacef.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1798

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Brocacef Group NV is the Dutch pharmaceutical distribution, retail pharmacy, and healthcare services subsidiary of Germany's PHOENIX Group, operating the ~350-pharmacy BENU consumer chain and a wholesale/logistics platform serving hospitals, care institutions, manufacturers, and the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pharmaceutical Distribution and Healthcare Services

NAICS

Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210), Pharmacies and Drug Retailers (456110)

SIC

Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospital & Health-System Pharmaceutical Distributors (HLAIAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

OTC & Consumer Health Distributors (HLAIAJAC), Hospital & Health-System Pharmacies (Inpatient/Outpatient) (HLAFALAB), Long-Term Care (LTC) & Skilled Nursing Facility Pharmacies (HLAFALAF), Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Warehousing (GDP-Compliant) (TLAIACAD)

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical distribution
• Pharmacy retail services
• Healthcare logistics
• Hospital pharmacy services
• Custom medication production

Headquarters

HQ city

Maarssen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Distribution: Distribution of medicines and medical products to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare institutions across the Netherlands from fulfilment centers.
2. BENU Pharmacy Retail: Revenue from approximately 350 BENU pharmacies serving 3.4 million consumers directly with prescription medications, OTC products, and health services.
3. Custom Medication Production: Production of unit-dose medication roll packaging (Baxterrol) at the Zevenbergen facility for patients requiring customized medication regimens.
4. Healthcare Logistics Services: Logistics services to pharmaceutical manufacturers including storage, handling, and distribution of medical gases and pharmaceutical products.
5. Healthcare Services and Consultancy: Advisory services, training programs, ICT and equipment management, and healthcare programs for pharmacies and institutions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Brocacef Group NV distributes pharmaceutical products and provides healthcare services across the Netherlands, operating two main brands: BENU (a network of approximately 350 retail pharmacies serving 3.4 million consumers) and Brocacef (serving healthcare professionals with medicines, medical devices, central filling, custom medication, ICT services, and consultancy). The company operates fulfilment centers in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Deventer, distributing approximately 700,000 medication packages daily to pharmacies, hospitals, and care institutions, and also runs a production facility in Zevenbergen for unit-dose custom medication (Baxterrol).

Product overview

Brocacef Group NV operates as a pharmaceutical healthcare company with two main brands: Brocacef for healthcare professionals and BENU for consumers. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare services including: medicines distribution to ~350 BENU pharmacies and healthcare institutions; specialized services such as central filling, custom medication (maatmedicatie), and medication rolls (Baxterrollen); preventive health services including BENU Gezondheidscheck and Prostaatcheck; care programs for specialized medications; medical device supply; ICT and equipment management; consultancy; and training services. The company operates fulfilment centers in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Deventer, with distribution to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare institutions throughout the Netherlands. Brocacef is a 100% subsidiary of PHOENIX Group, a German pharmaceutical retailer and wholesaler operating across 29 European countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BENU Franchise: Franchise program for pharmacy operations under the BENU brand
• HuisartsPlus
• Maatmedicatie
• Central Filling
• Brocacef Healthcare Services (BHS)

Products and services

• BENU Apotheken (BENU Pharmacy Chain) A consumer-facing retail pharmacy brand operating approximately 350 pharmacies across the Netherlands and online via benu.nl, providing prescription medications, OTC products, medical devices, and self-care products directly to consumers.
• BENU Gezondheidscheck (Health Check) A preventive health screening service offered through BENU pharmacies that measures metabolic syndrome risk indicators, targeting people who rarely visit healthcare providers.
• BENU Prostaatcheck (Prostate Check) A preventive prostate health check service for men aged 45-70, featuring an online questionnaire and PSA self-test to detect potential prostate issues early.
• Medicijnrollen (Baxterrollen) - Medication Rolls Customized medication roll system where medications for individual patients are packaged in sealed pouches on a roll, organized by intake time, improving medication adherence for chronic patients.
• Medicijnen Distribution (Pharmaceutical Distribution) Pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution services supplying medicines to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare institutions throughout the Netherlands, with approximately 700,000 packages delivered daily.
• Medische Hulpmiddelen (Medical Devices Distribution) Supply and distribution of medical devices and aids to healthcare providers and institutions, including diabetes aids through BENU Direct (DISW certified).
• Central Filling Centralized medication dispensing service for pharmacies and healthcare institutions, improving efficiency and reducing workload at individual pharmacy locations.
• Maatmedicatie (Custom Medication) Custom/bespoke medication services including preparation of individualized medications for specific patient needs, produced at the Zevenbergen facility.
• Zorgprogramma's (Care Programs) Personalized patient support programs for specialized medications, including clinical trials, early access programs, and effectiveness studies, with nursing support for at-home or remote medication administration.
• Supply Chain Partner Services End-to-end supply chain services for pharmaceutical manufacturers including pre-wholesale, distribution, and logistics solutions.
• BENU Franchise Franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs and pharmacists to operate a pharmacy under the BENU brand with access to Brocacef's services and support.
• ICT en Apparatuur Beheer (ICT and Equipment Management) ICT systems and equipment management services for pharmacies and healthcare institutions.
• Consultancy Advisory services for pharmacies and healthcare organizations on operations, compliance, and business optimization.
• Trainingen (Training Programs) Training programs for pharmacy staff and healthcare professionals including GoodHabitz e-learning and Brocacef Academy leadership programs.
• HuisartsPlus Services specifically designed for GP practices with dispensing pharmacies (apotheekhoudende huisartsen) serving areas with limited pharmacy access.
• Zelfzorg (Self-Care Products) Self-care product offerings including over-the-counter medications and health products for consumers.
• Medicijntransport (Medication Transport) Temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics and delivery services using 160 vans with dual-compartment temperature control (ambient 15-25°C and refrigerated 2-8°C), serving healthcare institutions and pharmacies.
• Brocacef Ziekenhuisfarmacie (Hospital Pharmacy Services) Hospital pharmacy services provided by Brocacef Ziekenhuisfarmacie B.V., serving hospitals with pharmaceutical products and clinical pharmacy services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 700,000 medication packages delivered daily to pharmacies
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TevacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with pharmaceutical producer Teva for development of the Butterfly EAV machine, a custom solution for creating traceable unit-dose medication packaging with scannable QR codes for hospitals to reduce medication administration errors.
• RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and Environment)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with RIVM for vaccine distribution during COVID-19 pandemic, including coordination with hospitals and Ministry of Defence for emergency supply to Sint Maarten after Hurricane Irma.
• MastersInLEANminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for training and development of Lean Six Sigma methodology within Brocacef operations.
• Green Deal InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in Green Deal initiative demonstrating commitment to sustainability goals and environmental responsibility.
• Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMAR)minorOthersBrocacef Export is recognized as Known Consignor and Regulated Agent, certified by KMAR for air freight security clearance, enabling streamlined logistics for defence and other regulated shipments.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mediq: Mediq is a Dutch distributor of medical devices and pharmacy services that operates community pharmacies and supplies care institutions across the Netherlands. Brocacef acquired Mediq Apotheken in 2014-2016, and Mediq remains directly comparable in Dutch medical-device distribution and care-institution pharmacy services.
• PHOENIX Group: PHOENIX Group is the 100% parent of Brocacef and the European market leader in pharmaceutical wholesale and pharmacy operations across 29 countries. It operates the same integrated wholesale + retail pharmacy business model as Brocacef in markets such as Germany, with comparable subsidiaries including BENU pharmacies in other geographies, making it the most direct structural comparable.
• Pluripharm: Pluripharm is a Dutch pharmaceutical wholesaler, also part of the PHOENIX Group network, serving independent community pharmacies across the Netherlands. It competes directly with Brocacef's wholesale business in the Dutch market and is highly comparable in terms of customer profile, regulatory environment, and product range.
• Celesio / McKesson Europe: Celesio, the European arm of McKesson, operates pharmaceutical wholesale (Lloyds Pharmacy, GEHE Pharma Handel) and retail pharmacy chains across Europe with a similar integrated model. As McKesson previously held a 45% co-shareholding in Brocacef, it is one of the closest direct competitors to Brocacef in pharmaceutical distribution and pharmacy services across the continent.
• Alliance Healthcare (Walgreens Boots Alliance): Alliance Healthcare is the pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution arm of Walgreens Boots Alliance, operating across Europe with the Alphega Pharmacy network. It runs a wholesale-plus-pharmacy network model nearly identical to Brocacef's BENU + Brocacef dual structure, serving as a head-to-head competitor in European pharma distribution.
• Service Apotheek: Service Apotheek is a Dutch pharmacy franchise organization operating a national network of community pharmacies comparable to BENU. It competes directly with Brocacef for pharmacist franchisees, dispensing volume, and Dutch consumer OTC/prescription share, and represents one of the most direct Dutch retail pharmacy comparables.

Emerging players

• DocMorris: DocMorris is a Dutch-origin online pharmacy and mail-order pharmaceutical retailer now operating across Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It competes directly with BENU's benu.nl online channel and the broader 350-pharmacy retail footprint, representing an emerging digital-native threat to Dutch community pharmacy economics.

Regional players

• Apotek Hjärtat: Apotek Hjärtat is Sweden's largest pharmacy chain, operating 390+ pharmacies under ICA Gruppen ownership with a comparable mix of prescription dispensing, OTC, and preventive health services. As a non-Dutch retail pharmacy peer operating the same integrated care model, it provides a regional reference point for BENU's consumer-facing strategy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/estatira-van-den-berg-8523833
• Facebookfacebook.com/Brocacef-Groep-

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries5 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 Brocacef Group NV