CPL Group PNG
CPL Group PNG is Papua New Guinea's largest diversified retail and healthcare group, operating 35+ City Pharmacy outlets, CPL MedLabs medical distribution to 50+ hospitals, Hardware Haus, Jack's of PNG, Prouds duty-free, and medical clinics. Listed on PNGX, it serves consumers, healthcare providers, and government across PNG and the Pacific Islands.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersPort Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What CPL Group PNG does
CPL Group PNG (City Pharmacy Group Limited) is Papua New Guinea's largest diversified retail and healthcare group, founded in 1987 by Sir Mahesh Patel and listed on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange (PNGX:CPL) since 2002. The company operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning pharmacy and health-and-beauty retail (City Pharmacy with 35+ outlets), B2B medical and laboratory equipment distribution (CPL MedLabs, established 2021, serving 50+ hospitals and 80 pharmacies across six countries with brands such as Abbott, Roche, Dräger, and Fujifilm), hardware and home improvement retail (Hardware Haus with 10+ outlets), fashion and lifestyle retail (Jack's of PNG joint venture with 8 stores, Prouds PNG duty-free and luxury retail joint venture with Motibhai Group), integrated medical clinics (City Pharmacy Wellness Medical Center and expanding clinic network), and PNG's largest retail loyalty program (Real Rewards with 150,000+ members). The group employs over 3,000 staff and operates across PNG from the Highlands to the Islands, supplemented by Pacific Island distribution through CPL MedLabs. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications and operates the CPL Foundation for community development, women's empowerment, and health initiatives.
The company's revenue is generated through transactional retail sales across its branded store network, wholesale distribution of medical equipment and consumables to healthcare institutions, professional services through medical clinics and diagnostics, multi-year government and Provincial Health Authority contracts (East Sepik PHA, West Sepik PHA, Moresby North West), employer direct-billing arrangements (CPTA-Medi Health Cover), and a K10 annual subscription loyalty program with cross-brand redemption mechanics. In 2025, CPL divested its Stop & Shop supermarket chain to Taylor Pacific Limited to refocus on healthcare, and in 2026 appointed Ajay Patel as CEO and Stephanie Copus-Campbell as Board Chair. The group is currently expanding its clinic footprint to Rainbow, Mt Hagen, Buka, and Lae, and has formalized strategic partnerships with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for digital health strategy and Sanofi Global Health Unit for non-communicable disease medicine access across the country.
CPL Group PNG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CPL Group PNG
- Legal name
- City Pharmacy Group Limited
- Website
- https://cpl.com.pg
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- CPL Group PNG is Papua New Guinea's largest diversified retail and healthcare group, operating 35+ City Pharmacy outlets, CPL MedLabs medical distribution to 50+ hospitals, Hardware Haus, Jack's of PNG, Prouds duty-free, and medical clinics. Listed on PNGX, it serves consumers, healthcare providers, and government across PNG and the Pacific Islands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where CPL Group PNG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Port Moresby, NCD
- HQ country
- Papua New Guinea
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices6 records
Markets served
CPL Group PNG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Retail Pharmacy Operations: Revenue from sale of pharmaceutical products, health and beauty items, skincare, cosmetics, personal hygiene products, baby care, nutritional supplements, digital and tech products (mobile phones, accessories, audio gear) through City Pharmacy retail outlets
- Duty-Free and Premium Retail: Revenue from Prouds PNG luxury retail operations including duty-free outlet at Jackson's International Airport and city mall stores offering watches, electronics, fragrances, cosmetics and jewelry
- Hardware Retail: Sales of building materials, tools, home improvement products, outdoor and garden equipment, safety gear, solar energy equipment and plumbing supplies through Hardware Haus stores
- Fashion and Lifestyle Retail: Revenue from Jack's of PNG fashion retail including premium clothing, accessories, international brands (Rip Curl, JAG, Tradie, Skechers, Sfida 1) and corporate uniform services
- Medical and Laboratory Supplies (B2B): Wholesale distribution of medical equipment, laboratory consumables, diagnostic machines, and after-sales support to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies across PNG and Pacific Islands
- Healthcare Services: Medical clinic services including primary healthcare, specialist consultations, diagnostics (ECG, X-ray, ultrasound, pathology), dental, optical, and daycare procedures
- Healthcare Partnerships and Tenders: Government and institutional healthcare contracts through partnerships with Provincial Health Authorities for laboratory equipment, medicine supply, and clinic support
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Real Rewards Loyalty Program membership |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | FAPNG Member Discount |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Wholesale pricing for medical supplies |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels9 records
CPL Group PNG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CPL Group operates a diversified multi-brand retail and healthcare portfolio across Papua New Guinea, including 35+ City Pharmacy health-and-beauty outlets, 10+ Hardware Haus home-improvement stores, 8 Jack's of PNG fashion stores, Prouds PNG duty-free and luxury retail, and the City Pharmacy Medical Clinic. It also runs CPL MedLabs, a B2B wholesale and after-sales distribution business for medical and laboratory equipment serving 50+ hospitals and 80 pharmacies across six countries. The group's brands are connected by the Real Rewards loyalty program with 150,000+ members.
Product overview
CPL Group (City Pharmacy Limited) is Papua New Guinea's most diversified retail and wholesale group serving the nation since 1987. The company operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning pharmacy and healthcare retail (City Pharmacy with 35+ outlets), medical equipment supply (CPL MedLabs serving 50+ hospitals across 6 countries), medical clinics (Wellness Medical Center and expanding clinic network), hardware retail (Hardware Haus with 10+ outlets), fashion retail (Jack's of PNG with 8+ stores, Prouds PNG duty-free and retail), and a nationwide loyalty program (Real Rewards with 150,000+ members). The portfolio also includes the CPL Foundation for community initiatives. The company listed on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange (PNGX:CPL) and employs over 3,000 staff. Recent strategic focus has shifted toward healthcare expansion following divestment of supermarket operations in 2025.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- City Pharmacy: Flagship health and beauty retail brand with over 35 outlets nationwide offering pharmaceutical, wellness, and general retail services.
- CPL MedLabs
- CPL Foundation Inc.
- City Pharmacy Medical Clinic
- Hardware Haus
- Jacks of PNG
- Prouds PNG
- Real Rewards
Products and services
- City Pharmacy Flagship health and beauty retail brand of CPL Group and PNG's leading pharmacy retailer with 35+ outlets nationwide. Offers pharmaceutical services, prescription and OTC medicines, health and beauty products, personal care, baby care, nutritional supplements, and digital and tech products including mobile phones, accessories and Easipay services.
- CPL MedLabs Wholesale B2B distribution of medical and laboratory equipment, diagnostic machines, anesthesia systems, portable X-ray units, and laboratory consumables from globally recognized brands (Abbott, Roche, Dräger, Fujifilm). Serves 50+ hospitals and 80 pharmacies across 6 countries with installation, training, and ongoing maintenance support.
- Hardware Haus Hardware and home improvement retail brand with 10+ outlets across PNG serving homeowners and large-scale contractors. Offers building materials, tools and equipment, home improvement products, outdoor and garden supplies, safety and workwear, and specialty items including solar energy equipment and plumbing supplies.
- Jack's of PNG Fashion and lifestyle retail joint venture with Jack's of Fiji, operating 8+ stores offering premium clothing and accessories under Jack's Originals brands (Jackman, Sac, Firstribe, Jack & Co, Crazy Jack, Jackie K, QAQA) and international brands (Rip Curl, JAG, Tradie, Skechers, Sfida 1). Also offers corporate uniform services and the local brand Design PNG.
- Prouds PNG Premier duty-free and retail brand offering luxury watches (Rolex, Longines, Tissot, Seiko), electronics (Sony, Bosch, Beko), fragrances and cosmetics (Chanel, Dior, Lancôme), jewellery (Pandora), and local brands (Pure Fiji, J Hunter Pearls, Barata PNG). Operates duty-free at Jackson's International Airport and retail stores in Port Moresby malls including Vision City, Waigani Central, Gordons Plaza and Jackson's Domestic Airport.
- Real Rewards Loyalty Program PNG's largest retail loyalty program with 150,000+ members. Members earn Real Rewards Points (RRP) by shopping at participating CPL stores including City Pharmacy and Hardware Haus, redeemable for in-store items. Annual membership fee is K10 and includes access to exclusive promotions and weekly email point balance updates.
- City Pharmacy Medical Clinic / Wellness Medical Center State-of-the-art healthcare facility at Vision City offering primary healthcare (outpatient treatment, doctor consultations, childcare, immunizations, pre-employment medicals, physiotherapy, referrals, ante-natal care), specialist healthcare (ENT, dental, optical), daycare procedures, and diagnostics (ECG, X-ray, ultrasound, pathology). Operations from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm with planned expansion to Rainbow, Dobel Centre (Mt Hagen), Buka, and Lae.
- CPL Foundation Inc. Charitable arm of CPL Group with a mission to uplift and empower communities. Focus areas include women's empowerment (Pride of PNG Women Awards, now in its 13th edition), health and hygiene (Water Harvest Pilot Project), and education support (Buk bilong Pikinini Tatana Library Learning Center, Pharmacy Scholarship Program in partnership with UMHS).
Quantifiable outcome
- 200,000 patients reached through primary healthcare outreach programs in one year
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use CPL Group PNG
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
CPL Group PNG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
CPL Group PNG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.
- Central Province Transport Authority (CPTA)majorClinical Service Provider Partnership Agreement to improve access to quality healthcare services for CPTA employees and approved dependents. Members access healthcare services through direct billing with only 10% deductible, covering GP consultations, specialist services, prescription medications, pathology, radiology, dental, optometry, and preventive health programs.
- Kumul OrganicsminorSME brand partnership for coconut oil-infused skincare products (100ml bottles with 5 infusions: noni, ginger, carrot, turmeric, lemon grass). 2020 PNG SME Award Winner. Available at City Pharmacy Waigani Central, Waigani Showroom, and Vision City.
- Women's Micro BankminorPartnership to provide better member benefits through financial services collaboration supporting women entrepreneurs and community development.
- Transparency International PNG (TIPNG)minorSupport for 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption through donation of 20 cartons of CP Water. Supports national initiative to promote transparency and accountability.
- Doris's Neem ProductsminorPartnership with local entrepreneur Doris Joe for neem-based haircare and skincare brand (Neem Powder, Hair Cream, Hair Growth Tonic, Oil, Body Scrub). Available at City Pharmacy Showroom, Vision City, and Waigani Central.
- East Sepik Provincial Health AuthoritymajorThree-year laboratory equipment agreement to strengthen diagnostic capacity across East Sepik Province. Delivers advanced laboratory equipment including biochemistry analysers, full-service support with installation, training, and ongoing maintenance, and reliable supply of essential consumables.
- West Sepik Provincial Health AuthoritymajorFive-year partnership to address longstanding supply chain challenges impacting healthcare delivery. Key outcomes include reliable access to essential medicines and medical supplies, support for laboratory equipment and healthcare infrastructure, credit facilities and training to strengthen procurement and service delivery.
- Office of the Member for Moresby North WestminorTwo-year agreement to enhance healthcare services at community level through supplying clinics with essential medicines, vaccines, and consumables, strengthening distribution systems and inventory management, and supporting healthcare workers with technical guidance and training.
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)coreCity Pharmacy Limited (CPL) partnered with IFC to strengthen healthcare delivery across Papua New Guinea. IFC's global expertise and advisory support helps CPL enhance operational standards and build resilient, efficient, and sustainable healthcare models. Focus areas include primary healthcare expansion planning, quality and operational improvement, and digital health strategy.
- Sanofi Global Health UnitcoreStrategic partnership with Sanofi GHU to improve access to essential medicines across PNG, focusing on addressing non-communicable diseases including diabetes and hypertension. Leverages CPL's national network for distribution of high-quality, affordable medicines to communities nationwide including remote areas, with capacity building for healthcare professionals.
- Filipino Association of Papua New Guinea (FAPNG)minorThree-year Member Discount Partnership Agreement (2026-2028) providing FAPNG's 1,765 registered members 15% discount on prescription medicines at City Pharmacy outlets nationwide.
- United Church Urban Region, Motu Koita Assembly, NCD Provincial Health AuthoritymajorPartnership to establish new City Pharmacy and Bon Café within Metoreia Health Centre premises through Memorandum of Understanding. Enhances healthcare access and convenience for local community through pharmaceutical services and modern café space.
- OOH Foundation Inc.minorDonation of medical accessories worth over PGK 900 for basic vital checks, blood pressure measurements, and BMI assessments as part of OOH Foundation's heart health campaign at Port Moresby General Hospital.
- Sir Brian Bell FoundationcoreJoint launch of HER Health Hub cervical cancer screening and HPV testing clinic for women. Partnership between CPL Foundation Inc. and Sir Brian Bell Foundation.
- Swire ShippingminorPartnership to deliver school furniture to underserved schools in 2024, improving learning environments for children across the country through education support.
- Taylor Pacific LimitedmajorDivestment of Stop & Shop Supermarkets to Taylor Pacific Limited in 2025 as part of strategic repositioning to sharpen focus on core healthcare business.
- PNG Olympic CommitteeminorContinuous support to PNG Olympic Committee and Team PNG including donation of 500 health kits valued at over K20,000 for 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
- USAID 'Clean Cities, Blue Oceans' ProgramcoreLaunched Solid Waste Management 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Pilot Program through partnership with USAID. Includes material recovery facilities valued at approximately USD 50,000 with coloured wheelie bins for waste segregation. Partnership established in 2022 has enabled employee training in waste management and occupational health and safety.
- University of Medicine & Health Sciences (UMHS)corePartnership for pharmacy scholarship program supporting second, third, and fourth-year pharmacy students. CPL committed K150,000 over three years to support 40 pharmacy students ahead of company's 40th anniversary in 2027.
- Jack's of FijicoreJoint venture partnership to operate Jack's of PNG retail fashion and lifestyle business. First store launched March 30, 2015 with now 8 stores across PNG.
- Stinson Pearce Pte Limited (Motibhai Group)corePartnership with Motibhai Group through Stinson Pearce to operate Prouds PNG retail brand. Original Fiji-based brand expanded into PNG in 2015 with duty-free outlet at Jackson's International Airport.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
CPL Group PNG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- EBOS Group: Australasian healthcare distributor and pharmacy operator across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Highly comparable to CPL MedLabs' medical equipment distribution and adjacent pharmacy retail footprint, especially in Pacific Island markets.
- Chemist Warehouse: Australia's largest discount pharmacy retailer with extensive private-label and OTC ranges. Comparable to City Pharmacy's discount-driven pharmacy retail model and SKU breadth across health, beauty, and consumer goods.
- Terry White Chemmart: Major Australian community pharmacy network with franchise model and professional services focus. Comparable to City Pharmacy's nationwide PNG pharmacy outlet strategy and health-services integration.
- Healthscope: Australian private hospital and pathology operator. Comparable to CPL's expansion into integrated primary care and diagnostics via the Vision City Wellness Medical Center.
- API (Australian Pharmaceutical Industries): Australian pharmacy retail and wholesale distributor operating Priceline Pharmacy and Soul Pattinson Chemist networks. Comparable through its combined retail pharmacy footprint and pharmaceutical wholesale business analogous to CPL MedLabs.
- Ramsay Health Care: Largest private hospital operator in Australia with growing Asia-Pacific exposure. Comparable through its private clinical services delivery model, relevant as CPL expands its City Pharmacy Medical Clinic network across PNG.
- Sigma Healthcare: Australian pharmaceutical wholesaler and pharmacy retail group operating the Amcal and Discount Drug Stores brands. Directly comparable to CPL's combined pharmacy-retail and medical-supply wholesale model.
Emerging players
- Dis-Chem Pharmacies: Leading South African retail pharmacy chain combining dispensary, clinic, and wellness services. Comparable emerging-market analog to CPL's pharmacy-plus-clinic integration model in a similarly under-served healthcare environment.
- Clicks Group: South African retail health, beauty, and pharmacy group with strong loyalty program (ClubCard). Comparable to CPL through its combined pharmacy, beauty/personal-care, and loyalty-driven consumer retail model.
Direct peers
- Steamships Trading Company: Long-standing PNG conglomerate historically operating across trading, property, hotels, and retail. Steamships divested its Stop & Shop and Hardware Haus chains to CPL in 2005 and 2009 respectively, and remains a comparable PNG-headquartered diversified group competing in similar retail and consumer-services categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CPL Group PNG social profiles
Digital presenceCPL Group PNG compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
CPL Group PNG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CPL Group PNG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
CPL Group PNG subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
CPL Group PNG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CPL Group PNG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CPL Group PNG
What does CPL Group PNG do?
CPL Group operates a diversified multi-brand retail and healthcare portfolio across Papua New Guinea, including 35+ City Pharmacy health-and-beauty outlets, 10+ Hardware Haus home-improvement stores, 8 Jack's of PNG fashion stores, Prouds PNG duty-free and luxury retail, and the City Pharmacy Medical Clinic. It also runs CPL MedLabs, a B2B wholesale and after-sales distribution business for medical and laboratory equipment serving 50+ hospitals and 80 pharmacies across six countries. The group's brands are connected by the Real Rewards loyalty program with 150,000+ members.
Is CPL Group PNG a public or private company?
CPL Group PNG is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was CPL Group PNG founded?
CPL Group PNG was founded in 1987. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is CPL Group PNG based?
CPL Group PNG is headquartered in Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea, in the Oceania region.
How does CPL Group PNG make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Retail Pharmacy Operations are the primary driver. The others are duty-Free and Premium Retail, hardware Retail, fashion and Lifestyle Retail, medical and Laboratory Supplies (B2B), healthcare Services and healthcare Partnerships and Tenders.
Who are CPL Group PNG's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are EBOS Group, Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemmart, Healthscope, API (Australian Pharmaceutical Industries), Ramsay Health Care and Sigma Healthcare. Emerging players are Dis-Chem Pharmacies and Clicks Group. Steamships Trading Company is listed as a direct peer.
Does CPL Group PNG have an API?
No public API is recorded for CPL Group PNG.