Junior partnership: How pharmacy succession succeeds in a network

Although he is far from thinking about retirement, Thomas Rochell is preparing the future of his three Pharmacies in the Höxter district are already systematically involved. For two years, he has been running the businesses together with his nephew and godson, Julius Rochell, as a general partnership (OHG). This model not only offers security for the seniors but also makes it easier for the younger generation to start their own businesses.

"Over ten years ago, I began seriously considering the question: What happens if I decide to retire?" Rochell told PZ. "I strongly advise owners of a chain of stores, in particular, to consider a successor very early on and initiate a handover process." Otherwise, handing over a structure with three or four pharmacies will become very difficult, if not impossible, one day.

His own path to self-employment was rather rocky. His first pharmacy venture, at the age of 28, almost failed due to banks demanding collateral and guarantees. "It was a real feat. I almost gave up back then," says the 59-year-old. That's precisely why it's important to him today not only to encourage young colleagues but also to offer structural support. He knows from experience that good handover models require time and trust.

That his nephew, Julius Rochell, would one day become his partner was something he hadn't planned for a long time. "Back in tenth grade, he mentioned that he could imagine studying pharmacy. After that, the idea was pretty much off the table for me." Years later, when Julius began studying in Münster, his uncle helped him find a room in a shared apartment. Later, life took a new direction. "I needed a new pharmacist and never thought my nephew would be interested. I didn't even dare to ask," says Rochell, who has owned a pharmacy for more than 30 years. It was only a conversation with his wife that convinced him to simply ask Julius about it. His nephew's reaction: "I thought you'd never ask me!"

So, in 2020, Julius started as an employed pharmacist in his uncle's business. Three years later, on July 1, 2023, the two founded a general partnership (OHG) and have since then jointly managed the three pharmacies within the group. For Thomas Rochell, this is the ideal solution: Working together and with different perspectives, the partners develop better solutions, while at the same time, Julius brings fresh ideas to the business and can grow into the role.