This period is characterised by strong growth for Apokjeden. An effective chain organisation was built up and Apokjeden was infused with expertise within chain operations, pharmacy operations and marketing. Through a constructive dialogue with political authorities the work to ensure the pharmacists good framework conditions were strengthened.

In this period Apokjeden shows strong growth and a significant improvement in financial profit. Several market research surveys in this period shows that our Apotek 1 chain concept is the most well known; and that the consumers have great confidence in Apotek 1.

2002 - In January 2002 Øyvind Winther was employed as the new Managing Director after Steinar Stokke left the company. Winther came to Apokjeden from Hakon-Gruppen and brought to Apokjeden expertise in chain operations from one of the largest operators in this area in the Norwegian market.

2003 - Tamro Distribution becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Apokjeden. Thus Tamro Distribution changed its name to Apokjeden Distribusjon and the work to integrate the two companies began. Streamlining of the chain operation led to the distribution centres in Bergen and Trondheim being shut down in 2002, but without these distribution centres it led to unsatisfactory service for the pharmacists.

2004 - In 2004 Apokjeden became wholly owned by Tamro. Apokjeden attaches increased importance to collaboration with the authorities in order to ensure the chemists' framework conditions. The

intranet was named as 'the year's best intranet' in a competition with, among others, the Norway Post, Oslo Airport and Storebrand. In 2004 Apokjeden launched the customer magazine ‛Frisk' with a circulation of 250 000 copies which were distributed through the pharmacies and as a supplement in the weekly newspapers.

2005 - Apokjeden intensifies its work to become the leading and preferred chemist chain both for customers and employees. Apokjeden's knowledge of trademarked goods is strengthened and is almost doubled (64% unaided knowledge of trademarked goods) in comparison to the closest competitor (Vitus 34%). In November 2005 Apokjeden launches a new website. As the only chain of chemists to give our internet users access to articles about health that give good advice.

2006 - Five years after the new Norwegian Pharmacy Act came into force we can conclude that the aims of the new Pharmacy Act have been achieved. Competition between the pharmacies has been greatly increased. More than 160 new pharmacies have been opened after deregulation (over 40% increase!), and in addition this increased competition has resulted in the ‛old' pharmacies extending their opening hours and improving their customer offers. Today in Norway there are 500 000 more pharmacies open than before.