Content about British Columbia

May 30, 2013
Generic drug reimbursement cuts draw anger, controversy in Canada

When does the double-edged sword of generic drug price reductions begin to cut the government agency or health system holding the sword?

That's the question many pharmacy leaders in Canada have for the provincial health system policy-makers who have embarked on a crusade to whack pharmacy reimbursement levels for many lower-cost generic medicines sold under the nation's publicly funded health system.

When does the double-edged sword of generic drug price reductions begin to cut the government agency or health system holding the sword?

That's the question many pharmacy leaders in Canada have for the provincial health system policy-makers who have embarked on a crusade to whack pharmacy reimbursement levels for many lower-cost generic medicines sold under the nation's publicly funded health system. The effort has drawn the ire of pharmacy advocates even as proponents in government and health policy circles tout its cost-saving benefits.

May 7, 2013
Pharmasave Drugs appoints Carmen Churcott as CEO

Pharmasave Drugs, which has more than 400 independently operated community pharmacy locations in nine provinces, has appointed Carmen Churcott as CEO.

LANGLEY, British Columbia — Pharmasave Drugs, which has more than 475 community retail pharmacies across Canada, has appointed Carmen Churcott as CEO, effective May 1.

May 7, 2013
Target soft opens western Canada stores

Target opened 22 of its stores in western Canada Tuesday and will open two more next Tuesday, the mass merchandise retailer said.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target is opening 22 of its stores in western Canada Tuesday and two more next Tuesday, the mass merchandise retailer said.

Target announced that it would soft open stores in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Most of the stores will include pharmacies and in-store Starbucks. The chain plans to open 124 stores across Canada this year and opened 24 in Ontario in March.

December 12, 2012
Teva granted global license to experimental pain drug

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is licensing an experimental pain drug to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a deal worth up to $376 million, the companies said.

JERUSALEM — Xenon Pharmaceuticals is licensing an experimental pain drug to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a deal worth up to $376 million, not including royalties, the companies said.

November 27, 2012
Target holiday tour across Canada heralds planned store openings

Target will sponsor a tour across Canada that will visit more than 20 communities ahead of the planned opening of its stores in the country, the mass-merchandise retailer said Tuesday.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target will sponsor a tour across Canada that will visit more than 20 communities ahead of the planned opening of its stores in the country, the mass-merchandise retailer said Tuesday.

The tour will start in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and conclude in British Columbia in the middle of December. Target plans to open 124 stores in Canada starting in March and April 2013.

July 31, 2012
Paragon shareholders green light acquisition by Shoppers Drug Mart

Shareholders of Paragon Pharmacies have approved the sale of 19 retail pharmacies and three central fill pharmacies to Shoppers Drug Mart.

KELOWNA, British Columbia — Shareholders of Paragon Pharmacies have approved the sale of 19 retail pharmacies and three central fill pharmacies to Shoppers Drug Mart.

The transaction is expected to close Aug. 1.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, the purchase price was recently revised from about $75 million to $73.5 million following a due diligence review by Shoppers that included a review of Paragon's store operating income.

July 5, 2012
Purchase price revised in Shoppers Drug Mart, Paragon Pharmacies deal

The purchase price of Paragon Pharmacies by Shoppers Drug Mart has been revised and now stands at about $73.5 million, according to a statement issued by Paragon Pharmacies.

KELOWNA, British Columbia — The purchase price of Paragon Pharmacies by Shoppers Drug Mart has been revised and now stands at about $73.5 million, according to a statement issued by Paragon Pharmacies.

May 23, 2012
Shoppers Drug Mart to acquire 19 Paragon pharmacies, three central fills

Canadian retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is looking to acquire 19 retail pharmacies and three central fill pharmacies located in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba from Paragon for about $75 million in cash.

TORONTO — Canadian retailer Shoppers Drug Mart is looking to acquire 19 retail pharmacies and three central fill pharmacies located in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba from Paragon for about $75 million in cash.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of Paragon's shareholders, acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange and certain other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in third quarter 2012.

May 8, 2012
Research: Canadian researchers discover pathway to developing universal flu vaccines

University of British Columbia researchers may have found a way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations, university officials announced Tuesday.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — University of British Columbia researchers may have found a way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations, university officials announced Tuesday.

January 27, 2012
Target expands list of Canada stores opening next year

Just a few weeks after unveiling the locations of its first 24 stores in Canada, Target released an expanded list of stores that will debut in 2013.

MINNEAPOLIS — Just a few weeks after unveiling the locations of its first 24 stores in Canada, Target released an expanded list of stores that will debut in 2013.

The stores listed included two in Alberta, two in British Columbia, 29 in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan. Additional details can be viewed here.

December 20, 2011
Prestige makes blockbuster acquisition: 17 GSK legacy brands

Prestige on Tuesday acquired 17 over-the-counter brands from GlaxoSmithKline for a total of $660 million in cash.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige on Tuesday acquired 17 over-the-counter brands from GlaxoSmithKline for a total of $660 million in cash. Among the brands Prestige acquired are the pain relievers BC, Goody's and Ecotrin brands; digestive brands Beano, Gaviscon, Phazyme, Tagamet and Fiber Choice; and the Sominex sleep aid brand.

July 28, 2011
GSK expects to divest noncore OTC brands by late 2011, company says

GlaxoSmithKline expects to close the deal on the divestiture of several over-the-counter brands that were identified in April, the company stated Tuesday as part of its second-quarter earnings results.

PHILADELPHIA — GlaxoSmithKline expects to close the deal on the divestiture of several over-the-counter brands that were identified in April, the company stated Tuesday as part of its second-quarter earnings results.

"The divestment of noncore OTC assets in the [United States] and Europe will further aid our strategy to accelerate growth and increase the focus of our Consumer Healthcare business," GSK stated. "We are making progress to divest these products by late 2011, subject to realizing appropriate value for shareholders."

July 25, 2011
Walgreens goes digital with online greeting card service

PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

The service will allow Walgreens customers to create and customize unique cards, invitations and other printed material, including personalized photobooks and photo calendars, wedding invitations and business cards.

According to reports, the PNI Digital Media Platform reaches more than 14,000 retail locations around the world, 9,000 of which offer a one-hour pickup service.

April 15, 2011
Just In Case arriving in Canada's London Drugs stores

Canada’s London Drugs on Thursday announced it was picking up distribution of Cana International Distributing’s Just In Case — a fashion-centric compact that bridges beauty and sexual heath.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada’s London Drugs on Thursday announced it was picking up distribution of Cana International Distributing’s Just In Case — a fashion-centric compact that bridges beauty and sexual heath.

The JIC compact looks like a mirrored makeup compact and has a hidden compartment to hold condoms, the retailer stated.

February 2, 2011
BC, Goody's get package updates

GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday announced its support for the Wounded Warrior Project and Victory Junction, a camp for children with special needs, through its analgesic powder brands, BC and Goody’s.

MEMPHIS — GlaxoSmithKline on Wednesday announced its support for the Wounded Warrior Project and Victory Junction, a camp for children with special needs, through its analgesic powder brands, BC and Goody’s.

November 16, 2010
Dollar Tree completes purchase of Dollar Giant assets

Dollar Tree on Wednesday announced that it has completed its purchase of the assets of...

CHESAPEAKE, Va. Dollar Tree on Wednesday announced that it has completed its purchase of the assets of 86 Dollar Giant stores for approximately $52 million in cash, plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

 

This marks Dollar Tree's first expansion of retail operations outside of the United States.