WADSWORTH, Ohio — Ritzman Pharmacies Inc. and Buehler Food Markets Inc. are negotiating a deal under which
Ritzman would own and operate the supermarket chain’s pharmacies.

Ritzman, based here, operates nine drug stores in the state. Wooster, Ohio-based Buehler
Food Markets operates 13 supermarkets in Ohio, and 11 have pharmacies.

The retailers have signed a letter of intent to explore the potential business partnership,
which they say would allow each chain to focus on its core strengths.

“Buehler’s and Ritzman are both locally owned businesses that share the same values, which makes this collaboration a natural fit,” says Ritzman chief executive officer and co-owner Eric Graf.

“Our focus is on our customers and the assurance to receive the same service they have come to expect,” says Buehler’s president Dan Buehler.

A formal announcement is expected this fall, pending the outcome of negotiations, according to the companies.

Representatives of the Ohio Grocers Association and Ohio Pharmacists Association say
the deal could make a lot of sense for both retailers. They point out that the unique strengths of supermarkets and drug stores can complement each other and provide benefits for both sides.