Securing investment for Oxford Online Pharmacy

Under the leadership of CEO Stuart Gale, Oxford Online Pharmacy has transitioned into an online healthcare platform, offering privately prescribed medication and healthcare advice across the UK.

Lodders worked with the company, alongside Headpoint Advisors, to take in investment from Rockpool Investments, marking a pivotal moment in Oxford Online Pharmacy’s evolution.

The Business Services group at Lodders advised on the deal, with partner Graham Spalding leading the team, supported by Brad Quin, Nicola Vernon, and Leanne Lawrence.

Investment for growth

Oxford Online Pharmacy was originally a family-owned pharmacy chain established in 1925. The investment aimed to accelerate its growth, advance its technology infrastructure, and expand its leadership team. It will also enhance its ability to meet rising demand for online pharmacy services, particularly in the weight loss sector.

Graham Spalding commented: “This investment represents an important step in developing the Oxford Online Pharmacy business for the future, with the right team and tech infrastructure in place. The company has experienced rapid growth and is leading the way in its sector, offering online prescriptions including for men’s health, weight loss and hair loss treatments. Having initially considered selling the business, Stuart identified potential for further growth in the market, and we were pleased to advise on the best way for him to achieve this.

“This deal was a full team effort across the full breadth of our capabilities. We look forward to seeing Oxford Online Pharmacy continue to grow in what is a thriving market.”

A patient and highly organised approach

Stuart Gale commented: “Online healthcare is a fast-growing market, and this investment will help us expand the team, develop our technology platform and deliver our service to an even wider customer base. Having not secured external investment before, we were closely supported by Lodders throughout the whole process. Lodders guided our management team through, ensuring everyone understood the often-complex legalities. The team was patient and highly organised, providing sensible solutions and expertise to help us overcome obstacles and achieve the very best outcome, whilst ensuring our business maintained its core values, heritage and legacy. We really appreciate Lodders’ support with this deal – the level of service was exceptional.”

Emmet Keating, partner at Headpoint who led the deal, added: “We are very pleased for the Oxford Online Pharmacy team to have completed this transaction. Online pharmacy is rapidly disrupting the way that consumers access healthcare treatments. The market is growing at c.20% per annum and Oxford Online Pharmacy is one of the leaders in the UK, with over 20,000 positive Trustpilot reviews. The business is very well positioned to capitalise on the market opportunity.”

Celebrating 100 years in business

Over the last year – and 100 years since the business was established – Oxford Online Pharmacy has doubled its sales and recruited a roster of new talent and expertise to its team. In August 2025, the business celebrated the opening of a new 12,000 sq ft warehouse in Banbury, marking its 100th anniversary in style.

Although the business has pivoted its approach to operate as an online pharmacy, Stuart is committed to ensuring the values instilled by his grandfather remain at the heart of the business: “My vision is to combine our traditional values of high quality, old-fashioned customer service, expert advice, and a determination to help, with the convenience and discretion of the internet. This means we can ensure every patient gets the best possible user experience – safe in the knowledge they are dealing with a trusted source.”

This article first appeared in Issue 11 of our client magazine, Lodders Life. Read this and more articles here.