Financial News

Diplomat Pharmacy is continuing its growth and diving head-first into the pharmacy benefits management business with its plan to acquire Leehar Distributors, which does business as LDI Integrated Pharmacy Services. The acquisition of LDI marks Diplomat’s second PBM acquisition this month, having acquired National Pharmaceutical Services on Nov. 6. 

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets has launched the company’s annual fundraiser, Food For All. Running from Nov. 1 through Nov. 22, the campaign works with customers and associates to raise money in support of nonprofit organizations serving individuals within the local community.

HANOVER, PA. — Utz Quality Foods announced Friday that it would be acquiring Inventure Foods in a deal valued at $165 million.

With manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Inventure’s portfolio includes such brands as Boulder Canyon Foods, TGI Fridays and Nathan's Famous.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance on Wednesday exceeded analyst expectations with results that came in slighlty north of the company's year-end projections thanks, in part, to the company's commitment to a fluid go-to-market strategy that is constantly evaluating customer behavior.

 MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Wednesday announced its acquisition of Associated Grocers of Florida in a transaction valued at approximately $180 million.

VARENNES, Quebec — The Jean Coutu Group on Thursday reported revenue gains of 6.1% to $596.8 million. Jean Coutu attributed the growth to strong overall market growth that overcame the deflationary impact associated with increased generic dispensing.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid on Thursday named Kermit Crawford president and COO. Crawford, prior to serving as a retail and healthcare adviser and consultant for New York City-based Sycamore Partners, enjoyed a long career with Walgreens, most recently as EVP and president of pharmacy health and wellness.

The price of drugs — particularly specialty drugs — is the perennial issue plaguing both patients and the companies that make them, as the cost of making a drug, estimated at around $2.6 billion with an average time of 10-15 years, will be factored into the cost of a treatment. Recently, though, patient advocates and regulators have begun acknowledging a need for something to be done about this trend.