CVS Pharmacy Finalizes Nationwide Acquisition of Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs Assets, Expanding Access to Care Across the U.S.
CVS Pharmacy, a subsidiary of CVS Health, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of select Rite Aid assets across the United States, marking another significant milestone in the company’s ongoing mission to expand access to quality pharmacy care nationwide. The acquisition includes 63 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs retail stores located in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the prescription files of 626 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacy locations across 15 states. Through this transaction, CVS Pharmacy is now serving more than nine million former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs patients—significantly broadening its reach and reinforcing its leadership in community pharmacy services.
Len Shankman, Executive Vice President and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness at CVS Health, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition in a statement. “We’re excited to have completed the acquisition of select Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the prescription files of hundreds of additional pharmacies across the country,” Shankman said. “This expansion helps maintain and grow access to trusted, convenient pharmacy care across the U.S. As we welcome new patients and customers, we’re eager to demonstrate the full range of CVS Pharmacy’s capabilities—from innovative pharmacy programs and personalized care to our exclusive store brand products that support health and wellness.”
Supporting Workforce Transition and Patient Care
As part of the acquisition, CVS Pharmacy prioritized continuity of care and employment for thousands of professionals affected by Rite Aid’s restructuring. To ensure a smooth transition and consistent service for patients, the company hired more than 3,500 former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs employees who expressed interest in joining the CVS team. This large-scale workforce integration underscores CVS Pharmacy’s commitment not only to expanding its operational footprint but also to sustaining meaningful employment in local communities.
Additionally, CVS Pharmacy has made targeted investments to strengthen its existing operations and support incoming patients. These investments include enhanced recruitment and training programs, increased staffing at key locations, and infrastructure improvements to ensure a seamless patient experience. By bolstering workforce capacity and operational readiness, CVS aims to maintain high service standards and ensure that both new and existing customers receive exceptional care during the transition.
A Swift and Strategic Transaction
The acquisition follows approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, which in May 2025 authorized the sale of certain Rite Aid assets to CVS Pharmacy as part of Rite Aid’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. After securing court approval, CVS moved quickly to complete the multi-stage transaction in less than four months—a timeline that reflects the company’s executional efficiency and commitment to minimizing service disruption.
The final phase of the deal concluded on September 30, 2025, with CVS officially assuming ownership and operation of the last two acquired stores in Bend, Oregon, and Bainbridge Island, Washington. Throughout the process, CVS worked to ensure that patient access to medications and pharmacy services remained uninterrupted.
When determining which assets and prescription files to acquire, CVS prioritized geographic convenience and patient access. Most CVS Pharmacy locations that received prescription transfers are located within three miles of a former Rite Aid store, and nearly half are within a single mile. This approach ensures that patients will continue to have nearby access to the medications and services they depend on, reducing potential disruptions and maintaining local community ties.
Expanding CVS’s Commitment to Accessible Health and Wellness
As one of the nation’s most trusted providers of pharmacy and wellness services, CVS Pharmacy continues to deliver an integrated health experience that blends convenience, innovation, and accessibility. The company’s retail pharmacies offer thousands of products—from over-the-counter medications and vitamins to beauty items and better-for-you food options, including the company’s Well Market line of nutritious consumables.
Beyond its traditional retail offerings, CVS Pharmacy is widely recognized for its role in advancing pharmacy innovation. Its in-store and digital services streamline prescription management, offer personalized adherence programs, and provide preventive health solutions such as vaccinations and health screenings. By incorporating these services into communities formerly served by Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs, CVS is enhancing access to coordinated, patient-centered care.
Importantly, CVS Pharmacy will continue to carry many of the local and regional brands that Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs customers have long trusted. This continuity, combined with CVS’s national scale and innovative care model, allows patients to enjoy the best of both worlds—local familiarity and national expertise.
Celebrating Community Integration
To welcome new customers and celebrate the completion of the acquisition, CVS Pharmacy will host a series of Grand Opening Block Parties throughout October in select newly converted locations across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These community-focused events will feature live music from local DJs, food trucks, product giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Each celebration underscores CVS’s commitment to building meaningful connections in the communities it serves. A complete list of scheduled events can be found on CVS.com.
The integration of these Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs assets marks a pivotal moment for CVS Pharmacy as it continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its role as a cornerstone of community health. With millions of new patients joining its network and thousands of skilled pharmacy professionals reinforcing its workforce, the company is well-positioned to deliver even more comprehensive and accessible care solutions across the United States.
By maintaining a steadfast focus on accessibility, innovation, and patient-centered service, CVS Pharmacy is not only honoring its legacy as a trusted healthcare provider but also shaping the future of pharmacy care nationwide.
