80 Years - MSJGroup

The small pharmacy founded in 1944 that grew into a leading Group in the health sector in Cyprus

MSJ Group presented 80 years of history, through a historical exhibition and a series of events celebrating this important milestone.

The exhibition featured photographs, memorabilia, books, and other items with significant value and importance to the history of MSJ Group. The exhibition also had a modern touch, including videos of the 4 Jacovides brothers reflecting on their time together and discussing how the small pharmacy, opened by their father in 1944, evolved into a leading Group of companies in the health sector in Cyprus today.

The Beginning

The exhibition was a journey back in time to 1944, to the “Michel Pharmacy” on Vitsi Street in Nicosia, showcasing the evolution of the small family business with the involvement of the 4 Jacovides brothers: Sotos, Savvas, Alexandros, and Aris, who are now the Directors of MSJ Group.

“Everything started in 1944 from a small pharmacy and evolved into a leading Group thanks to the work of the four Jacovides Brothers. The four brothers recount the vision of Mr. Michalakis, their childhood memories, and the support of their mother, Dimitra.

Joining the Company

Among the most significant milestones of the Group were: the expansion of activities to Greece in 1982, the development of operations in Cyprus through acquisitions of companies in the health sector, and the launch of the online store EvZeen.com in 2019. Additionally, the excellent collaboration between the four brothers and the participation of five members of the third generation of Jacovides family ensures the continuation of the Group’s history in the future.

“With the future of the MSJ Group then unknown, the four brothers gradually returned from their studies and started working. First, Sotos Jacovides, the eldest son of the Jacovides family, returned to change the course of the Group’s history. By 1980, all the brothers were working together methodically and as a team to develop what Michalakis Jacovides has started.”

Challenges

“In every difficulty, the four brothers and their father had one strategy: ‘We always move forward.’ One of the major challenges they faced was the invasion of 1974, which resulted in significant losses. Additionally, economic crises and global company acquisitions impacted the Group’s companies. However, the four brothers saw each obstacle as an opportunity, enabling them to overcome every crisis.”

Secrets of Success

“Mutual respect, cooperation without personal egos, and hard work are the secrets to success. With these values, the Four Jacovides brothers have nurtured the third generation of the family, who are now called upon to develop the vision of the MSJ Group.”

The 3rd Generation

Celebrating 80 years events

The historical pop-up exhibition began its journey in Nicosia on September 18th 2024 with an internal opening exclusively for MSJ Group, followed by a gala dinner. On the same night, the Board of Directors honoured employees with over 30 years of service, thanking them for their long-lasting loyalty and hard work.

For the next two days, the exhibition was open to key associates and partners of MSJ Group, including doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. They had the opportunity to learn about the Group’s extensive history and its contributions to the health sector in Cyprus. On September 20th, the exhibition was presented to the media and other officials including representatives from the Ministry of Health and other health bodies, followed by extensive publicity across all media outlets.

The exhibition then moved to Limassol on September 25th and 26th, where doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals and associates from Pafos and Limassol also visited and had the opportunity to explore the 80-year-old history of MSJ Group.