The combined business became one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors in Europe.

Mr. Tschiffely was the largest wholesale pharmaceutical distributor in the Washington area, and owner of Washington's best-known pharmacy.

H.D. Smith, which is based in Springfield, Ill., has estimated annual sales of more than $1 billion, putting it near the top five pharmaceutical distributors.

The best values may be found in a hard-hit group - health care services stocks, like drugstore chains, pharmaceutical distributors and hospitals.

The pharmaceutical distributor covered the logistical costs for the distribution of the thermometers.

The culprits who drive the prices so high are two pharmaceutical distributors who together control 70 percent of the market.

China, as of 2007, has around 3,000 to 6,000 domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers and around 14,000 domestic pharmaceutical distributors.

China's pharmaceutical logistics industry is mainly composed of pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmaceutical distributors.

Once mostly a chemical company, McKesson is now a major pharmaceutical distributor, with other lines like Armorall polishing products.

Investigators are now examining not only the homes' operators and doctors, but also pharmaceutical distributors and social service agencies.