Personnel Updates

• Albertsons LLC announced that it hired Karl Varsanyi as Group VP Product Management and User Experience, and Ramiya Iyer as Group VP IT Digital and Marketing/Merchandising.

• AmerisourceBergen Corporation announced that with its new organizational structure, Robert Mauch will lead the pharmaceutical distribution and strategic global sourcing group, and James Cleary will head the company’s global commercialization services and pet health division.

• Smith Drug Company announced the promotion of Kyle Waltz to VP Corporate Controller. Lena Jouran will take over the role of Divisional VP Finance.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. announced its Senior VP Communications and International Affairs, Yves Romestan, will be departing the company. Laura Vergani will become VP International and Divisional Communications.

Financial Focus

• Fred’s Inc. announced it has secured additional financing to meet its obligation of acquiring as many as 1,200 Rite Aid stores that are expected to be divested as part of the company’s merger with Walgreens.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Albertsons LLC announced the acquisition of MedCart Specialty Pharmacy, a provider of specialty care services in Michigan.

• Rx Drug Mart is the buyer of 27 Rexall Pharmacy locations being divested by McKesson Canada.

Industry Insight

• Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens retail healthcare clinics are now open in 15 Walgreens locations throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Real Estate

• Bluemercury Inc. plans to open 40 stores in 2017.

• CVS Health announced it has opened its first store in Colorado.