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- CVS Takes Over Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs Locations (cheapism.com)
CVS Scoops Up Dozens of Rite Aid, Bartell Drugs Locations in Pacific Northwest Expansion
Woonsocket, RI – CVS Pharmacy has finalized a significant acquisition, taking over dozens of former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs locations as part of a bankruptcy asset sale that concluded at the end of September. The deal bolsters CVS’s presence in the Pacific Northwest while further impacting Rite Aid’s operational footprint.
CVS announced on October 15 that it now operates 63 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. In addition, the pharmacy giant has acquired prescription files from 626 other pharmacies in 15 states.
Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health, expressed enthusiasm about the completed acquisition. “We’re excited to have completed the acquisition of select Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the acquisition of prescription files of hundreds of Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacies across 15 states,” Shankman stated.
The transaction extends pharmacy services to over nine million former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients. The final store conversions, located in Bend, Oregon, and Bainbridge Island, Washington, were completed on September 30.
This acquisition follows the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey’s approval in May 2025 for the sale of Rite Aid assets, part of a broader liquidation process that allowed multiple buyers to bid on store operations and prescription files.
CVS emerged as the largest buyer in this round of transactions.
To ensure a smooth transition for patients, most CVS locations receiving transferred prescriptions are situated within three miles of the closed Rite Aid stores, with nearly half located within one mile. CVS has also made substantial investments in staffing, recruitment, and training to manage the increased business, hiring more than 3,500 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs employees.
Shankman highlighted the strategic importance of the deal, emphasizing its role in maintaining access to pharmacy care and expanding CVS’s retail presence. “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. From our innovative pharmacy care programs to our exclusive store brand products, we look forward to showing Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients and customers all that CVS has to offer,” he added.
To celebrate these new additions to the CVS family, the company plans to host community “Grand Opening Block Parties” throughout October in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
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