PYMNTS.comยท2025-10-17 23:39Core Insights - CVS Pharmacy has successfully acquired select assets from Rite Aid, now serving over 9 million former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients [1][2] - The acquisition includes 63 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores and the prescription files of 626 pharmacies across 15 states [2][4] - CVS Health has completed the conversion of these stores and is actively operating them [3] CVS Pharmacy's Strategy - The company aims to expand access to pharmacy care and enhance its retail presence in local communities [4] - CVS has distributed prescription files to nearby CVS locations, hired over 3,500 former Rite Aid employees, and invested in existing CVS locations for better service [4] Market Context - Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, following a previous restructuring that closed around 850 stores [5] - The company is in the process of selling its assets, with CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle among the bidders for its prescription files [5] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, CVS reported an 18% increase in same-store pharmacy sales, with prescription volumes up by 6% and retail script share reaching 27.8%, partly due to the closure of Rite Aid stores [6]