Cannabis cultivator and research company Biolife Group has taken a 20% ownership stake in AHA Corporate, a collection of businesses that provides support services to healthcare providers.
Biolife operates a cultivation facility in Byron Bay and two in Thailand, located in Bangkok and Chiang Rai, in addition to running a dedicated research division.
AHA and its wholly owned subsidiaries — Alliance Healthcare Australia, CuratD Health, Chronic Doctors, ScriptIT, Chemist Greenhouse and 5LEAF — deliver a range of support services to healthcare providers, covering discounts, rebates, technology systems, business analytics, and operations.
The company focuses on bringing medicinal cannabis into conventional pharmacy environments.
Biolife and AHA said the investment "completes the creation of a unique, vertically integrated business model that aims to revolutionise support services and profit margins for healthcare providers across Australia".
"This partnership brings together expertise in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cutting-edge medicinal cannabis solutions and cultivation to provide comprehensive support to healthcare providers," they added.
Biolife COO Patrick Mauder called the acquisition a "game-changer" for both organisations.
"By combining our strengths, we are uniquely positioned to provide healthcare providers with the resources they need to navigate the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis," he said.
"Our vertically integrated approach ensures that we can deliver high-quality products and services efficiently and effectively."
AHA CEO Brendon Rose added: "We are thrilled to welcome Biolife Group as a strategic partner. Their investment underscores the potential of our integrated business model and our commitment to supporting healthcare providers across Australia.
"Together, we are setting a new standard for the incorporation of medicinal cannabis into traditional pharmacy practices."