Roland Helle reclaims Mycare after a decade of pharmacy leadership

Roland Helle has taken over ownership of Mycare, a year after the death of its former leader, Christian Buse. The move marks his return to the company, where he previously worked from 2009 to 2013. Since then, Helle has built a career across several major pharmacy firms, including Gematik, Aponeo, Atida Plus, and Pro Samed.

His recent acquisition follows a period of transition for Mycare, during which Yvonne Buse—Christian Buse's widow—stepped in as interim manager. Helle had already re-established ties with the region, becoming owner of Wittenberg's Robert Koch Pharmacy last December.

Helle first joined Mycare in 2009, leading its pharmaceutical department until 2013. After leaving, he took on roles at Gematik, Aponeo, and later Atida Plus, where he contributed to the company's rapid growth. Under the Markol Group's ownership, Atida Plus expanded its German online pharmacy market share from around 5% to over 15% by 2025. Investments in logistics, digital platforms, and partnerships with retailers like DocMorris pushed annual revenues from €150 million to €450 million.

Following Christian Buse's death in 2023, Yvonne Buse temporarily managed Mycare and joined the executive board of its homecare division. Christine Buse, her mother-in-law, assisted in running the pharmacy and remains a shareholder in the business. Helle's return to Wittenberg began last July, culminating in his purchase of the Robert Koch Pharmacy in December. His portfolio now includes the Galenos Pharmacy at the Kaufland Center and the Kreisel Pharmacy in Wittenberg's health centre. However, he has raised concerns about rising operational costs due to stricter regulations under the revised Pharmacy Operations Ordinance (ApBetrO). New rules will demand tighter transport controls, temperature monitoring, and detailed documentation, adding financial pressure to pharmacy owners.

With Helle now at the helm, Mycare enters a new phase after a year of leadership changes. The company's future will depend on navigating regulatory challenges while leveraging his experience in pharmacy logistics and digital expansion. His ownership extends beyond Mycare, covering multiple pharmacies in Wittenberg, consolidating his influence in the regional healthcare sector.