McKesson named Walmart supplier of the year
McKesson Corp. said it has been recognized by Walmart as one of the retail giant’s best-performing suppliers in 2009.
CDR
Cardinal closes Healthcare Solutions acquisition
Cardinal Health Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Holding LLC. The pharmaceutical and health care products distributor announced the $517 million cash deal early last month, saying that the agreement would expand the company’s presence in specialty pharmaceutical services.
Obama administration gets health reform under way
Health care reform is being viewed more favorably following the Obama administration’s rollout of multiple regulations laying the groundwork for the law’s implementation.
Back-to-school sales may jump 16% over 2009
The economy may be in for a positive jolt if back-to-school spending rises by the 16% predicted by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The NRF, citing consumers surveyed by BIGResearch, said families with students plan to spend about $55.1 billion, compared with $47.5 billion a year earlier.
Walgreens raises quarterly dividend 27.3%
Walgreen Co. has increased its quarterly dividend 27.3% to 17.5 cents per share from 13.75 cents per share. The dividend is payable September 11 to shareholders of record August 19. The dividend increase raises the annual rate from 55 cents per share to 70 cents per share.
Standley moves quickly to fill COO’s post at Rite Aid
A day after Rite Aid Corp. chief operating officer John Standley took the reins as the drug chain’s president and chief executive officer, the company named senior executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and logistics Ken Martindale as its new chief operating officer.
Walgreens poised to bolster food offerings
Later this summer Walgreen Co. plans to give its customers a taste of Duane Reade’s successful private label program as it continues to ramp up its food offering.
MTM legislation wins support from Rx groups
Building on the pharmacy-specific provisions in the health care reform law, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) have endorsed medication therapy management (MTM) legislation. The MTM bill was authored and introduced by Sen.
Walmart shifts key U.S. executives
Walmart has made several changes in its management ranks in recent weeks. The biggest of those changes has been the appointment of Walmart U.S. chief operating officer Bill Simon to president and chief executive officer of the domestic unit.
Pharmasave, Rx PharmaChoice team up
The Canadian drug chains Pharmasave and Rx PharmaChoice have formed a strategic alliance that executives say will strengthen both companies.
Obama bypasses Senate to fill top CMS post
After the confirmation of President Obama’s choice to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) was held up for nearly three months by Republicans, the president bypassed the legislators earlier this month and appointed Donald Berwick to the post while the Senate was on its summer rec
Jean Coutu mulls drug reform impact
Jean Coutu Group, which posted increased profit in the first quarter, is waiting to see how provincial drug reform will affect its future earnings. Coutu posted a profit of $43.2 million (Canadian) for the fiscal quarter ended May 29, an increase of 12.2% compared with the prior-year period.
NCPA, Chain Drug Consortium form new partnership
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the Chain Drug Consortium (CDC) have formed a collaboration that they say will leverage the strengths of each organization and advance the interests of community pharmacists and their patients.
New private label line launched by Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. has launched the latest phase of its revamped private label program with the debut of Simplify, a store brand aimed at price-sensitive shoppers.
Implementation of health care reform act proceeds
Health care reform is being viewed more favorably following the Obama administration’s rollout of multiple regulations laying the groundwork for the law’s implementation.
Big three drug chains are being reshaped
Walgreen Co., CVS Caremark Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. — announced game-changing alterations. In that short span of time Walgreens acquired Duane Reade; Rite Aid reported that Mary Sammons, the retailer’s iconic chief executive,