NEWARK, NJ – CVS Pharmacy has finalized the acquisition of select Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs assets, marking a major expansion of its retail and prescription network across the country.
The company confirmed Wednesday that it has completed conversions of 63 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and purchased prescription files from 626 pharmacies spanning 15 states.
CVS now serves more than nine million former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients following the transactions, which were approved earlier this year by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
Key Points
- CVS Pharmacy completes acquisition of 63 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in the Pacific Northwest
- Prescription files from 626 additional locations acquired across 15 states
- More than 3,500 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs employees hired by CVS
Expansion strengthens CVS national footprint
Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health, said the acquisition helps expand access to trusted pharmacy care nationwide. “We’re helping maintain and expand access to convenient and trusted pharmacy care across the U.S. and growing our retail footprint and presence in local communities,” Shankman said.
The last store conversions, including locations in Bend, Oregon, and Bainbridge Island, Washington, were completed on September 30, just four months after the bankruptcy court’s approval.
Thousands of former employees join CVS
To ensure continued service for patients, CVS has hired more than 3,500 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs employees. The company has also increased staffing and training at nearby CVS locations to support the integration of new patients and prescription records.
Most of the CVS stores receiving Rite Aid prescription files are within three miles of a former Rite Aid, with nearly half less than a mile apart—helping minimize disruption for patients.
Maintaining continuity of care
CVS said it prioritized maintaining community access to medications when selecting which assets to acquire. In addition to prescriptions, the newly converted locations will continue offering local favorites and retail products familiar to former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs customers.
Grand openings celebrate new beginnings
To welcome new communities, CVS will host a series of Grand Opening Block Parties throughout October at select converted stores in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The events will include DJs, food trucks, and product giveaways, highlighting the company’s expanded presence in the Pacific Northwest.
CVS Pharmacy said more details and event schedules can be found at CVS.com.
