Depolabo

In 1957, long before the complexities of modern pharmaceutical supply chains, Depolabo was founded in Marseille, France. The company was established to solve a core problem for pharmaceutical companies: how to efficiently manage the storage and distribution of their products to wholesalers, hospitals, and pharmacies across the country. Depolabo became the partner that handled the critical logistics, from warehousing and order preparation to invoicing and transport. The business proved to be a foundational layer of the French healthcare system. Instead of laboratories building out their own extensive logistics networks, they could rely on Depolabo's specialized infrastructure. This model allowed drug manufacturers to focus on research, development, and production. The company managed logistics for a significant volume of drugs distributed in France, including both prescription medications and over-the-counter products. A pivotal moment in the company's journey came in 2006 when the private equity fund Sagard acquired a majority stake, recognizing the company's leading position in the market. This was followed by another significant event in December 2008, when Depolabo was acquired by Alliance Boots, a global pharmacy-led health and beauty group. This acquisition integrated Depolabo into a vast European network, and it eventually rebranded to Alloga France, aligning with its parent company's logistics division.