Hygie31 Group, a leading healthcare player in Europe, announces the signing of a strategic partnership with Italian company GalileoLife, a recognized specialist in customer loyalty and commercial development for independent pharmacies. Following the successful rollout of the “Pharmacie Lafayette” model in Spain, this alliance marks a new milestone in the Group’s international expansion strategy.

In a rapidly evolving Italian market—characterized by the opening of pharmacy ownership to external investors and the rise of integrated chains—the Group reaffirms its commitment to defending the model of the branded, independent pharmacy. This strategic partnership embodies that mission: to empower entrepreneurial pharmacists, strengthen their role as “the first point of healthcare,” and ensure universal access to health services across Europe.

GalileoLife: A Leading Italian Player in Pharmacy Loyalty and Commercial Development

Founded in 2002 in Maglie (Apulia) by Vincenzo Cosi and Andrea Donno, GalileoLife operates the Uniclub loyalty program, which now brings together a network of 690 partner pharmacies and parapharmacies. The company offers a unique, high-value proposition :

● For customers and patients: The Uniclub card allows them to collect points with every purchase of parapharmacy products, redeemable for exclusive gifts and benefits via an online catalog.

● For partner pharmacies: Uniclub acts as a powerful driver of customer loyalty and revenue growth, while leveraging the brand’s strong recognition.

Beyond this loyalty program, GalileoLife provides pharmacists with a portfolio of over 80 private-label products, digital and back-office management tools, proprietary training programs, and commercial support through specialized consultants.

The Group employs 90 people and generates consolidated revenue approaching €970 million. GalileoLife is also known for its strong social commitment: it has been certified as a Great Place to Work Italia 2025 and has opened an on-site childcare center for employees. Locally, it serves as a premium sponsor of US Lecce, and internationally it supports humanitarian initiatives such as financing wells in several African villages to improve long-term access to clean water.

A Clear Strategic Rationale: Strengthen the Uniclub Model and Roll Out the “Pharmacie Lafayette” Brand in Italy

This alliance marks a new stage in Hygie31’s European growth. After successfully deploying the Pharmacie Lafayette model in Spain—through its partnership with Farmacias Ecoceutics (a network of 140 independent pharmacies, including 43 that have transitioned to the new model in just two years, achieving an average +25% increase in post-conversion turnover)—the Group is now setting its sights on Italy.

The partnership with GalileoLife is based on a dual objective:

● Strengthen and accelerate the Uniclub model in Italy, enriching its offer with Hygie31’s private labels and service portfolio.

● Deploy the Pharmacie Lafayette brand by establishing an independent buying group and targeting the conversion of 90 pharmacies by 2029.

This expansion responds to a pressing demand from Italian pharmacists, who currently face two limited options: joining integrated chains (such as Boots or Hippocrates) at the cost of full independence, or affiliating with wholesaler-owned networks offering limited services. The model introduced by Hygie31 offers a third way: preserving pharmacists’ independence while granting access to a powerful brand, best-in-class tools, and optimized purchasing conditions.

An Ambitious Roadmap Driven by the Synergies of the Hygie31 ecosystem

This partnership is part of a broader ecosystem designed to empower independent pharmacies in Italy by combining the complementary strengths of GalileoLife and Hygie31.

● GalileoLife brings its deep market knowledge, strong local network of 690 partner pharmacies, private-label catalog, and expertise in customer loyalty and retail activation through Uniclub.

● Hygie31 contributes its proven “Pharmacie Lafayette” model and comprehensive service suite (digitalization, training, private labels), along with its network of partner laboratories and European-level commercial negotiation capabilities spanning France, Spain, and now Italy.

Together, they will create a unique platform offering Italian pharmacists a high-performance, sustainable alternative to integrated consolidation models. Strategic levers will include:

● Joint laboratory agreements, combining GalileoLife’s local presence with Hygie31’s pan-European purchasing power (generics, distribution, and parapharmacy).

● Pharmacy conversions to the “Pharmacie Lafayette” concept, targeting 90 locations by 2029, building a network of digitally connected independent pharmacies.

● Deployment of Hygie31 exclusive brands within the Uniclub network, immediately boosting competitiveness.

● Expanded service offerings, blending Hygie31’s digital, training, and back-office solutions with GalileoLife’s loyalty and retail activation expertise—creating a broader service portfolio benefiting not only Italy but all Hygie31 subsidiaries in Europe.

● Reinforced social and territorial engagement, aligned with Hygie31’s commitment to sustainability, accessible healthcare, and local community support.

Executive Statements

“This partnership represents a decisive step in the internationalization of our model. After France and Spain, Italy is a strategic market where the independence of pharmacists must be protected and strengthened. With GalileoLife, we share a common vision: an independent, high-performing, and accessible pharmacy for all. Together, we are building a strong European network dedicated to community-based healthcare.”
Hervé Jouves, Chairman, Hygie31 Group

“For over twenty years, GalileoLife has supported Italian pharmacies with Uniclub, a unique loyalty model. By joining forces with Hygie31, we can enrich this value proposition and offer Italian pharmacists a robust alternative—allowing them to remain independent while gaining competitiveness. Our partnership is rooted in shared human values and social commitment, including our shared ambition to make healthcare accessible to all local communities.”
Vincenzo Cosi, Co-founder and Chairman, GalileoLife

“This partnership significantly enhances our leverage in negotiations with laboratories. Thanks to the synergies between France, Spain, and Italy, we can secure better supplier agreements while guaranteeing optimized conditions for affiliates and the most competitive prices for patients—a concrete performance driver for our pharmacies.”
Pascal Fontaine, Commercial Managing Director, Hygie31 Group

“This alliance marks a new chapter for independent pharmacies in Italy. Together with Hygie31, we share the goal of equipping pharmacists with practical tools to grow and remain competitive. We believe that the future belongs to those who innovate without compromising their identity—because a pharmacy is not just a business, it’s a health hub and a community anchor. Together, we strengthen our mission: making health and well-being accessible to all while upholding the independence and social value of pharmacists.”
Andrea Donno, Co-founder and Managing Director, GalileoLife