WADSWORTH, Ohio — Ritzman Pharmacies Inc. and Buehler Food Markets Inc. are in negotiations about an alliance in which Ritzman would own and operate all of the supermarket chain’s pharmacies.
The two retailers said Wednesday that they have signed a letter of intent to explore a potential business partnership, saying that a deal enabling Ritzman to run Buehler’s in-store pharmacies would let each chain to focus on its core business model.
"Buehler’s and Ritzman are both locally owned businesses that share the same values, which makes this collaboration a natural fit," stated Eric Graf, chief executive officer and co-owner of Wadsworth, Ohio-based Ritzman Pharmacies, which operates nine drug stores in Ohio.
The companies said a formal announcement is expected this fall, pending negotiations.
"Our focus is on our customers and the assurance to receive the same service they have come to expect," Dan Buehler, president of Buehler’s Fresh Food, said in a statement.
The Wooster, Ohio-based food and drug retailer operates 13 supermarkets in Ohio, 11 with pharmacies.
