AROOSTOOK COUNTY — Walgreens plans to complete its acquisition of Rite Aid stores in seven Aroostook County towns by the end of the month.
The Aroostook stores are located in Fort Kent, Fort Fairfield, Madawaska, Van Buren, Caribou, Houlton and Presque Isle, according to Jim Cohn, director of external communications for Walgreens.
Pharmacy customers will not have to do anything special to adapt to the new ownership according to pharmacist Curtis Cyr, who currently works at the Rite Aid store in Fort Kent.
“All prescriptions will still remain here,” Cyr said. “There might be some slight changes but Walgreens does accept more insurances than Rite Aid and Walgreen’s accepts the Envision Rx plan.”
“It should be a smooth transition,” Cyr added.
Cohn said the same should hold true for all seven pharmacies.
“Overall, the vast majority of patients will continue to have coverage as a result of this transition. People with questions can ask the pharmacist,” he said.
Under a deal first announced last fall, Rite Aid is selling a total of 1,932 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory to Walgreens for $4.375 billion. As of Jan. 22, Rite Aid had transferred 625 stores and related assets.
The transition of ownership of the stores in Aroostook and elsewhere will include two key phases, according to Cohn. These will be transfer of ownership and conversion of the stores to the Walgreens brand, which will take place over time.
With the exception of the pharmacies, the stores will remain much as they have for the time being, according to Cohn.
“For now, the front of the store will continue normal business operations under the Rite Aid brand,” Cohn said. “However, there will also be a sign on the window of the door indicating this store is owned by Walgreens. In addition, there will be a sign at the pharmacy letting patients know this is a Walgreens pharmacy.”
Current Rite Aid employees will be offered the opportunity to maintain their jobs under the new Walgreens’ ownership, he said.
Cohn expressed confidence in Walgreens’ ability to maintain customer satisfaction despite the transition.
“Customers will enjoy the broader reach of our expanded network of stores, with greater access to Walgreens trusted pharmacy services, our selection of owned brand products in health, wellness and beauty and other in-store, online and mobile services,” he said.
