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Issue 07-16-2012

Walgreens-Alliance Boots deal: Global Rx power takes shape

With its $6.7 billion deal to acquire a large stake in Alliance Boots, Walgreen Co. has become the first American drug chain to delve into overseas markets and set in motion what could be dramatic changes for its entire operation. At the same time, the agreement — which will give Walgreens a

Cosby gives look at CVS’ direction

Walgreen Co.’s loss has been CVS Caremark Corp.’s gain. The latter has fully capitalized on Walgreens’ contract impasse with Express Scripts Inc., according to CVS/pharmacy president Mark Cosby.

Walgreens to buy USA Drug for $438 million

Walgreen Co. plans to purchase regional drug chain USA Drug in a $438 million deal that will add 144 drug stores in seven states, primarily in the Mid-South and Great Plains. The acquisition, announced earlier this month, includes corporate offices, a distribution center in Pine Bluff, Ark.

NACDS Marketplace takes last curtain call

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores ended its quarter-century run of Marketplace Conferences here last month. While the 2012 event marked the end of the association’s premier trade show, Marketplace is not going away.

Generics take bite out of same-store sales

Rite Aid Corp. and Walgreen Co. pointed to generic drug introductions as a key factor in same-store sales declines for June. Comparable-store sales in June fell 1% year over year at Rite Aid — the drug chain’s first monthly comp-store decrease in over a year — and dropped 10% at Walgreens, which

CVS’ new website offers personalized experience

CVS/pharmacy has revamped its website to offer shoppers a highly personalized pharmacy and retail experience. The new CVS.com is designed to extend in-store access to pharmacy services to shoppers’ homes and mobile devices, making it more convenient to manage, refill and pick up ­medications.

Walgreens-Boots: International presence strong, growing

The international expansion of a U.S. drug chain was a long time coming, but when it happened it happened with a bang. After no nonfranchised American pharmacy chain had ventured beyond Puerto Rico, Walgreens has entered countries across the globe with its purchase of 45% of Alliance Boots.