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DUBLIN, Ohio — The recent loss of business from a key specialty pharmacy customer and the continued deluge of generic introductions will represent significant challenges for Cardinal Health in fiscal year 2013 as it approaches the year-end of its fiscal 2012, company executives told analysts during a conference call Thursday morning.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy on Thursday added six medications to its oral oncology cycle management program, in a significant expansion of the comprehensive treatment and support program it provides to benefit patients, physicians and payers, the company announced.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced that Pete Van Helden, EVP retail operations, will be leaving the company this spring. Taking his place will be Kevin Holt.

"This was a mutually beneficial decision that comes at the right time for both Supervalu and Van Helden, as the company continues to implement its business transformation strategy and as Van Helden moves on to opportunities that will better utilize his strengths," the company stated in a release.

MINNEAPOLIS — April same-store sales at Target increased 1.1% and helped the company achieve a 5.3% first-quarter comps increase that was the highest in six years. How much of the performance was due to record warm weather versus good execution of a solid strategy against the back drop of an improved economy is debatable.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — On Wednesday evening, United Way recognized Publix Super Markets with two Summit awards for philanthropic engagement and community impact, the two companies announced Thursday.

Publix's 2011 United Way campaign raised $45.6 million — a 12% increase over 2010 — plus associates' per capita gifts exceeded the food industry average by 398%. Publix associates also volunteered 900,000 hours, including more than 1,500 associates serving on United Way and nonprofit boards.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 8.75 cents per share.

The dividend is payable on June 15 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 1. As of April 27, there were approximately 214 million shares outstanding, Supervalu said.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — The number of healthcare diagnostic products featuring a direct link to Apple's iPhone or iPod Touch increased by one on Wednesday as Sanofi US announced the launch of the iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System.

iBGStar is available for purchase at Apple Retail Stores and all Walgreens stores nationwide, online at Apple.com, Walgreens.com and through Diabetic Care Services, the company added.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo told analysts Wednesday morning that he was “very pleased” with the company's first quarter, as results across both the retail and pharmacy benefit management segments came in at the high end of expectations, and its integrated assets continue to demonstrate success and improve patient lives.