Meijer gears up for specialty Rx with big acquisition
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer announced Wednesday 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.”
Aureus Health Services most recently inked a partnership with CARE Pharmacies to provide management services to CARE's 79 member pharmacies.
"We looked at a number of potential partners to assist us in providing a higher level of care to our specialty patients and Aureus was the best," stated Mike Wysong, CEO CARE, in announcing the deal earlier this month. "Aureus' highly trained support team and comprehensive care management model offers a level of support and expertise required to ensure the very best outcomes for our customers."
Aureus Health Services CEO Michael 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.