Uniphar plc (ISE:UPR) is in talks to buy chemist chain Sam Mccauley Chemists Limited, the Sunday Independent understands. Investment fund Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI) is the owner of a majority stake in the pharmacy group. It acquired the shareholding in a deal worth in excess of EUR 50 million in 2017.

It is understood that Uniphar is currently carrying out due diligence on the business. Sources said underbidders had included retail groups Musgrave and Dunnes.