Guardian Lifecare, the country’s second largest retail pharmacy chain, plans to go into an expansion mode. The company intends to open 150 new stores across the country. Guardian is all set to raise funds worth Rs 100 crore for the planned expansion.

Ashutosh Garg, Chairman and Managing director, Guardian Lifecare, said, “Major expansion plans are on the anvil, with an investment plan of over Rs 100 crore, we intend to make a foray into the Western India market. By the end of March 2009, we would have also added another 150 stores across India. Presently, we are growing at the rate of almost two new stores every week. Our employee strength too shall double in a year’s time”. He further added, “Our stores are based on four models— High Street Stores, Mall Stores, Hospital Stores and Personal Stores. We also have a rural and semi-urban format under the brand name Aushadhi.”

uardian is a leading healthcare and wellness chain with 106 stores in six states and 13 cities. Guardian is also the master franchisee of GNC, the world’s largest nutritional supplements company from USA and has an excellent range of private label products in the feminine hygiene and baby care segment.

The Indian retail pharmacy market is growing at a rate of 10-12 per cent annually. By the end of 2010, the current size of the market is expected to touch Rs 40,000 crore in India.

Guardian Lifecare is North India’s largest chain of health, wellness and beauty stores. Built on a strong platform of reliability and service to the consumer, the company has 106 stores in 13 cities and is expanding the chain into a strong national presence. Guardian is the master franchisee of GNC Inc in India, the world’s largest nutraceutical and sports Nutrition Company.