Hollywood, MD – Two retail behemoths with locations in Southern Maryland are planning to merge, officials from both companies announced this week. The merger between Walgreens and Rite Aid is estimated at $17.2 billion. Combined, the two companies would have nearly 13,000 stores in the United States, making it the largest pharmacy chain in America. Currently, CVS is the county’s top pharmacy chain.
According to various reports, the deal will need to pass an antitrust review before it can be approved. While the two companies are calling the transaction a merger, Walgreens is buying Rite Aid and reportedly over time the Rite Aid name will be phased out.
Walgreens has four retail stores in Southern Maryland, including two in Waldorf. A pharmacy on the campus of Calvert Memorial Hospital is also affiliated with Walgreens.
Rite Aid has six locations in the Southern Maryland counties—Charlotte Hall, La Plata, Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Prince Frederick and Waldorf.