Mubadala secures majority stakes in GMSC, Al Ittihad Drug Store

Mubadala Investment Company has expanded its footprint in the UAE’s healthcare sector with the acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in Global Medical Supply Chain (GMSC) and Al Ittihad Drug Store (IDS) from GlobalOne Healthcare Holding (GHH).

GHH, the healthcare division of Yas Holding, will retain a 20 per cent stake in both companies.

This strategic move enhances Mubadala’s presence in two critical areas of the healthcare industry: medical supply chain logistics and pharmaceutical distribution.

Founded in 2015, GMSC specialises in providing end-to-end supply chain services for medical products.

The company offers a comprehensive range of services including demand planning, procurement, logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and maintenance.

GMSC serves over 200 medical facilities across the UAE, providing reliable supply chain solutions for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers.

IDS, established in 1987, is one of the UAE’s leading distributors of pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare products.

The company distributes over 1,000 products from more than 40 suppliers, covering a wide range of therapeutic categories such as anti-infectives, asthma, diabetes, and oncology.

IDS serves hospitals, pharmacies, and supermarkets across the UAE, making it a key player in the country’s pharmaceutical landscape.

Strategic integration to boost UAE’s life sciences sector

Ismail Ali Abdulla, executive director of UAE Clusters at Mubadala‘s UAE Investments Platform, emphasised the significance of the acquisition in a statement, noting the increasing demand for specialised drug logistics solutions driven by the growing pharmaceutical market.

“By integrating GMSC and IDS into our portfolio, we are poised to create a vertically integrated life sciences sector in the UAE,” Abdulla said. “This acquisition will enable Mubadala to encompass the entire value chain — from logistics and distribution to specialised manufacturing — strengthening the UAE’s position in the global healthcare market.”

The transaction further underscores Mubadala’s commitment to developing the UAE’s healthcare sector, aligning with national efforts to diversify the economy and enhance drug security.

The acquisition is also part of a broader strategy to consolidate and expand Mubadala’s investments in the life sciences industry, which has seen significant activity in recent months.

Key step in Mubadala’s expanding healthcare portfolio

Low Ping, group CEO of Yas Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal in the context of Mubadala’s broader growth strategy. “This transaction continues Mubadala’s strategic expansion, following the recent acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in four pharma assets from GHH by KELIX Bio, Mubadala’s specialty pharmaceutical business,” Low remarked. “These moves are aligned with our vision of strengthening the UAE’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors as part of our wider commitment to economic diversification and enhancing healthcare outcomes.”

GlobalOne Healthcare Holding, the parent company of both GMSC and IDS, plays a critical role in the healthcare sector, with a focus on investing in innovative solutions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.

As part of Yas Holding, GHH’s strategic investments aim to drive sustainable growth and contribute to the UAE’s health and wellness goals.