Addition of specialty pharmacy capability to enhance Meijer customer offerings
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2015-5-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Aureus Health Services, a national specialty pharmacy and health services company based in Pittsburgh, Pa. and a portfolio company of BelHealth Investment Partners, to enhance its customer offerings, particularly to patients with complex chronic conditions.
“The ability to provide specialty pharmacy services to our customers supports our objective to provide total patient care,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “Between Aureus Health Services’ national strength and the strong Midwest footprint of Meijer, this purchase combines two reputable industry leaders, and creates an opportunity for national growth by providing better service to customers.”
Specialty pharmacies distribute unique pharmaceuticals coupled with high-touch, patient-centered services. Aureus Health Services is a highly-regarded brand with a strong track record of innovation and expansion in the specialty pharmacy space.
“We are very pleased to join the Meijer organization,” Aureus Health Services Chief Executive Officer Michael Nameth said. “This acquisition will not only benefit customers and patients through a stronger organization, but it will also provide growth opportunities for our team.”
Nameth will remain in his role of CEO in the new Meijer business unit. The acquisition is expected to be finalized within the next few months. Meijer plans to maintain the company’s current patient services centers across the country.
Meijer currently operates 217 supercenters and grocery stores across the Midwest, all of which include a pharmacy. The Meijer pharmacy is growing as a customer destination through expanded clinical services, as well as a free medication program that includes antibiotics, pre-natal vitamins, and medications for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol. In fact, the free prescription program has prescribed more than 26 million prescriptions, saving customers an estimated $376 million since its inception in 2006.
About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 217 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronic offerings. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/meijer and @twitter.com/meijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
JMP Securities LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Meijer in connection with the transaction. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey served as exclusive financial advisor to Aureus Health Services and BelHealth Investment Partners.
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 616-791-3814, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
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