Wendy future of retail top

Stefano Pessina

WBA to shut 600 stores in retail network overhaul

WBA to shut 600 stores in retail network overhaul

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) plans to close 600 stores starting next year as it rationalizes its U.S. drug store base following the $4.375 billion purchase of 1,932 Rite Aid stores. In reporting its fiscal 2017 fourth-quarter and annual results on Wednesday, WBA said it expects to finalize the Rite Aid store acquisition

WBA’s Q4 earnings top analysts’ forecast

WBA’s Q4 earnings top analysts’ forecast

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) beat Wall Street’s adjusted earnings per share forecast for its 2017 fourth quarter and fiscal year, with pharmacy results helping boost sales for both periods. However, WBA said Wednesday that costs related to the unsuccessful deal to acquire Rite Aid Corp. impacted its bottom line and pulled down

WBA-Rite Aid deal is approved

WBA-Rite Aid deal is approved

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Winding down a nearly two-year process, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) has gained Federal Trade Commission approval to buy 1,932 stores, three distribution centers and inventory from Rite Aid Corp. for $4.375 billion in cash. The transaction also includes the WBA’s assumption of related real estate leases and an option for Rite

WBA cleared by FTC to buy 1,932 Rite Aid stores

WBA cleared by FTC to buy 1,932 Rite Aid stores

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Winding down a process that has taken nearly two years, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. has gained Federal Trade Commission approval to acquire 1,932 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid Corp. for $4.375 billion in cash. The companies said Tuesday that the transaction also includes the WBA’s assumption of

What the new WBA-Rite Aid deal means

What the new WBA-Rite Aid deal means

NEW YORK — With the acquisition of Rite Aid Corp. by Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) now canceled and replaced by a smaller transaction, the chain drug landscape will retain a more familiar look. Nonetheless, all three parties to the original deal, which involved the purchase of 865 Rite Aid locations by Fred’s Inc., will

Walgreens Boots Alliance sees solid 3Q results

Walgreens Boots Alliance sees solid 3Q results

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Analysts said Walgreens Boots Alliance turned in a solid third quarter and stands to emerge on a positive note from its new deal with Rite Aid Corp. upon the termination of their merger. For the third quarter ended May 31, WBA posted net earnings (GAAP) of $1.16 billion, or $1.07 per diluted

WBA strikes new deal with Rite Aid

WBA strikes new deal with Rite Aid

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The long, drawn-out quest of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) to acquire Rite Aid Corp. took another unexpected turn this morning when the two companies announced a new agreement under which WBA will purchase 2,186 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid. The price will be $5.175 billion in

WBA pushes FTC for decision on Rite Aid acquisition

WBA pushes FTC for decision on Rite Aid acquisition

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) has taken action to force the hand of federal regulators deciding whether to approve its pending acquisition of Rite Aid Corp. WBA and Rite Aid last month notified the Federal Trade Commission that they have complied with the agency’s second request for information on the deal. While

WBA, Rite Aid certify compliance with FTC

WBA, Rite Aid certify compliance with FTC

DEERFIELD, Ill., and CAMP HILL, Pa. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and Rite Aid Corp. said they have met the Federal Trade Commission’s second request for information on their planned merger. Late Monday, WBA and Rite Aid announced that they have “certified substantial compliance,” meaning that they have provided the information needed to determine if

WBA’s Pessina still bullish about Rite Aid acquisition

WBA’s Pessina still bullish about Rite Aid acquisition

NEW YORK — Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) executive vice chairman and chief executive officer Stefano Pessina has expressed confidence that the company’s planned merger with Rite Aid Corp. will be approved by the end of July. “I am still optimistic that we will bring this deal to a successful conclusion, but there is no

Walgreens upping ante in beauty

Walgreens upping ante in beauty

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) is reaping success with its beauty differentiation program and is now planning to expand the initiative to more than 1,000 additional Walgreens stores by the end of 2017 while introducing more exclusive brands into the assortment. The first phase of the Walgreens beauty differentiation program’s rollout called

Walgreens Boots Alliance sees sales dip in 2Q

Walgreens Boots Alliance sees sales dip in 2Q

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Despite an uptick in its Retail Pharmacy USA division, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) reported declined sales for its fiscal 2017 second quarter, with adjusted earnings per share in line with Wall Street’s consensus estimate. Also on Wednesday, WBA had no further news to report on the status of the antitrust review of

New report charts extent of WBA’s efforts in CSR

WASHINGTON — There was a time not all that many years ago when corporate social responsibility (CSR) was viewed by most companies as a second- or third-tier priority, something good to do but not a central part of the business model. That thinking has changed radically in recent years, with CSR taking its rightful place

Retail CEOs talk with Trump

Retail CEOs talk with Trump

WASHINGTON — A group of retail executives, including Walgreens Boots Alliance executive chairman and chief executive officer Stefano Pessina, met with President Donald Trump earlier this month to discuss issues related to imports and changes to the tax code. The meeting was a scheduled event with the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). “The retail industry

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