Personnel Updates

• Fred’s Inc. appointed a new Chairman, naming Heath Freeman to the position as Tom Tashjian retires.

• General Nutrition Centers, Inc. announced that Ken Martindale has joined the company as CEO. He will succeed Interim CEO Bob Moran. As part of the transition, Moran will become Chairman, replacing Michael Hines, who will remain on the board.

Financial Focus

• Perfumania Holdings Inc. announced it has sought chapter 11 protection with plans to reorganize around its better-performing stores. The retailer plans close 64 of its 226 stores during the bankruptcy process.

• Vitamin World, Inc. announced it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. announced an amended agreement to purchase 1,932 stores, and three distribution centers from Rite Aid Corporation. The company plans to convert all stores to the Walgreens brand in phases over time. The transition of the distribution centers to Walgreens will not begin for at least a year.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• CVS Health announced it will acquire six pharmacy locations in Ohio from ProMedica, with plans to close five of them. CVS Health will take over operations at ProMedica Pharmacy Counter in Oregon, OH, converting it to a CVS Pharmacy in November. The other five locations, all in the Toledo area, will be closed.

• Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. announced the acquisition of Aaron’s Apothecary in Chicago, IL. The company also announced the acquisition of Roxbury Pharmacy in Beverly Hills, CA.

Industry Insight

• CVS Health has announced plans to install automated wellness vending machines in 25 locations across New York and New England through the end of October. The vending machines will feature over-the-counter health products, healthy snack options and personal care items.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has launched CYO, an exclusive makeup line designed for younger customers that will only be available at select Walgreens stores and at Walgreens.com.