RITE AID

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — More than one prominent investor has recently approached Fred’s Pharmacy with the intention of investing money in the operator of 601 locations in 16 states, according to the New York Post.

The Post posits the cash infusion from one or more sources would help Fred’s pay for and successfully operate the 865 divested Rite Aid stores it pledged to purchase for $950 million, which is a likely a closing condition should the Federal Trade Commission approve the proposed $9.7 billion Walgreens Boots Alliance-Rite Aid merger.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is still confident in its ability to close the Rite Aid transaction, but will force the issue if it comes to that, Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO Walgreens Boots Alliance, told analysts Wednesday morning.
 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Despite gains in prescription marketshare and comparable pharmacy sales across its U.S. base, Walgreens Boots Alliance missed analyst expectations, MarketWatch reported early Wednesday morning, precipitating a slight drop in Walgreens Boots Alliance shares in premarket trading.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid announced Amanda Bourque, a Rite Aid pharmacy technician from Coventry, R.I., and JoAnn Lankford, a Rite Aid customer from Providence Forge, Va., were selected at random from more than 13,000 unique entries as the winners of its Vote for Your Favorite Pharmacy Team Member Contest. Established in 2003, the contest was designed to honor Rite Aid pharmacy associates for their commitment to providing outstanding customer care and service.

NEW YORK — The latest move by Walgreens Boots Alliance in its pursuit of the Rite Aid deal may be a bet that a Trump-appointed FTC chief will finally push the deal through.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid on Monday announced the launch of its annual Miracle Balloon campaign in support of local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during the company’s annual Miracle Balloon campaign. Rite Aid customers will be encouraged to support their local children’s hospital by purchasing $1 paper Miracle Balloon and in return, customers will receive $7 in coupon offers for select products sold at Rite Aid.

 CAMP HILL, Pa. — As the number of mumps cases increase across the country, Rite Aid pharmacists stand ready to administer the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, subject to state regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1,000 cases of mumps in the U.S. since the start of 2017.

MMR vaccinations are available upon request at Rite Aid pharmacies in 28 states and the District of Columbia, subject to state regulations, during pharmacy hours. No appointment is necessary.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance could be close to an agreement to sell more assets, including additional stores, distribution centers, software and personnel, to Fred’s Pharmacy in an effort to win Federal Trade Commission approval of its proposed agreement to acquire Rite Aid, according to Bloomberg, citing sources close to the talks.