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Walgreens-Rite Aid merger

Postscript on Walgreens-Rite Aid merger saga

Postscript on Walgreens-Rite Aid merger saga

Today would have been the day for the Federal Trade Commission to issue a decision on the Walgreens-Rite Aid merger, had Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid Corp. not elected to scuttle the deal and unveil a downsized transaction eight days ago. Both companies said that, based on signals from the FTC, they thought WBA’s

Sales decline in June at Fred’s Pharmacy

Sales decline in June at Fred’s Pharmacy

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy reported decreased revenue and same-store sales for June but noted positive results in its pharmacy business. Fred’s said Thursday that for the five weeks ended July 1, sales totaled $197.5 million, down 5.3% from $208.5 million a year earlier. The company attributed the decline the closing of 39 underperforming stores

Fred’s boosts funding for Rite Aid store purchase

Fred’s boosts funding for Rite Aid store purchase

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy has procured $550 million in additional funding for its deal to buy up to 1,200 Rite Aid stores in connection with the Walgreens-Rite Aid merger. In an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, Fred’s said that for a second time it has amended and restated a commitment

Reports: FTC angling to block Walgreens-Rite Aid merger

Reports: FTC angling to block Walgreens-Rite Aid merger

NEW YORK — The Federal Trade Commission is readying a lawsuit to block the Walgreens-Rite Aid merger deal, according to published reports. Citing policy news service Capital Forum, which analyzes the antitrust review of mergers and acquisitions, Investors Business Daily said on Friday that the FTC was “preparing advice” to take action against the transaction,

Rite Aid execs: Merger approval not guaranteed

Rite Aid execs: Merger approval not guaranteed

NEW YORK — In a memo to employees this week, Rite Aid Corp.’s top executives appear to acknowledge that the company’s acquisition by Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) may not be cleared by the Federal Trade Commission. “We remain actively engaged in discussions with the FTC to attempt to gain regulatory approval, and there can be

Fred’s Pharmacy records 1Q net loss

Fred’s Pharmacy records 1Q net loss

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy posted a fiscal 2017 first-quarter net loss, stemming largely from charges related to store closings and its planned purchase of at least 865 Rite Aid stores. Fred’s said Tuesday that for the first quarter ended April 29, the company had a net loss of $36.5 million, or 98 cents per

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

Fred’s sees same-store sales uptick for May

Fred’s sees same-store sales uptick for May

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy saw same-store sales edge up in May, though store closings led to a year-over-year revenue decline for the month. Fred’s said Thursday that sales for the four weeks ended May 27 totaled $160.1 million, down 3.1% from $165.2 million a year earlier. The company attributed the sales decrease to the closure

Report: FTC seeks more info on WBA-Rite Aid deal

Report: FTC seeks more info on WBA-Rite Aid deal

Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid last week said they’ve complied with the Federal Trade Commission’s second request for information on their merger deal. But it appears the FTC still wants to know more. The New York Post reported Tuesday that the FTC has issued civil investigative demands (CIDs) to Walgreens vendors and competitors to

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

Sales decline at Fred’s Pharmacy

Sales decline at Fred’s Pharmacy

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy reported declined sales for April and its fiscal 2017 first quarter, though seasonal business lifted same-store sales for the month. Fred’s said Thursday that sales for the four weeks ended April 29 totaled $159.1 million, down 3% from $163.9 million a year earlier. April same-store sales edged up 1.2% year

Analyst: Whole Foods tough for Albertsons to digest

Analyst: Whole Foods tough for Albertsons to digest

Albertsons Cos. reportedly is eyeing Whole Foods Markets, but it appears such an acquisition would be difficult for the Boise-based food and drug retailer to swallow. The Financial Times reported this week that Cerberus Capital Management, which leads the investor group that owns Albertsons, has engaged in preliminary discussions with bankers about a possible bid

Rite Aid finishes fiscal year on positive note

Rite Aid finishes fiscal year on positive note

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Despite declines in net income, Rite Aid Corp. posted increased sales and exceeded Wall Street’s adjusted earnings per share forecast for its fiscal 2017 fourth quarter and year. Chairman and chief executive officer John Standley, however, noted that the ongoing regulatory review of Rite Aid’s deal to be acquired by Walgreens

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