RETAIL NEWS

WASHINGTON – The Natural Products Association on Tuesday opened nominations for its board of directors. The recent association bylaws change, approved by the membership, reduces the size of the board to nine members.

"Recent changes have ensured NPA is stronger and better positioned to serve its members than at any point during the association's history," stated Dan Fabricant, CEO and executive director, NPA. Open positions include board chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary, three supplier seats and two retailer seats.

NEW YORK — An array of private equity firms are reportedly interested in The Body Shop. The beauty retailer, which is owned by cosmetics giant L’Oréal, has drawn bids from around 15 private equity firms and companies, including Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners, Carlyle Group LP and South Korea’s CJ Group, Bloomberg reported.
 

ST-LAURENT, Quebec — McKesson Canada and Uniprix announced Wednesday that, pending shareholder approval and satisfaction of closing conditions, including approval from the Competition Bureau of Canada, McKesson Canada proposes to acquire all outstanding shares of Uniprix.

TORONTO – Loblaw on Tuesday announced that its Shoppers Drug Mart division is launching a new drug plan for Canadian employers that will integrate with their current health coverage.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. and COMMERCE, Calif. — Supervalu will acquire Unified Grocers for approximately $375 million, comprising approximately $114 million in cash for 100% of the outstanding stock of Unified Grocers plus the assumption and pay-off of Unified Grocers’ net debt at closing (approximately $261 million as of April 1).

SAN FRANCISCO–  In conjunction with its sponsorship of the CBI Conference, McKesson on Tuesday announced the launch of a new whitepaper discussing how brands can effectively combat nonadherence by integrating behavioral coaching into comprehensive patient support programs.  

LANDOVER, Md. — Giant Food on Monday announced its 2016 charitable donations totaled $14.6 million in combined cash and product donations, including contributions from customers, vendors and associates.

These donations were facilitated by in-store campaigns and initiatives.

NEW YORK – Beginning April 9, Target has picked up the LoveBug Probiotic line with its portfolio of products that address adult health, women’s health, pre-natal/post-natal health, babies and children’s health, the company announced last week.