Content about Law

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Swiss skin drug maker Galderma Pharma will acquire another Swiss drug maker also focused on treatments for skin conditions, Galderma said.

Based in Egerkingen, Switzerland, Spirig makes treatments for such conditions as solar damage and skin barrier function impairment, as well as treatments for such precancerous conditions as actinic keratosis. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though it was noted that Spirig had sales of about $106 million in 2011. The global corporate headquarters of Galderma will remain in Lausanne, Switzerland.

LONGUEUIL, Quebec — The Jean Coutu Group recently announced that it is acquiring a 50% stake in Le Groupe Médicus, which specializes in orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1957 by Jean-Claude Bleau, Médicus is a private-sector employer of orthotist and prosthetist graduates in Quebec and specializes in orthotic and prosthetic devices and rehabilitation products by completing the multidisciplinary treatment plan.

An often-heard remark in arguments between people is, “You’re not looking at the big picture.” But it’s often just as important to look not just at the big picture, but all the little parts that constitute it, especially if you’re the head of store operations for a major retail chain.


Patent settlements between generic and branded drug companies seem like one of the most controversial and long-standing issues in the pharmaceutical world, with strong opinions on both sides.


DEERFIELD, Ill. — On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, Walgreens will encourage communities to focus on the importance of HIV testing and early treatment, both services addressed through its more than 700 HIV-specialized pharmacies coast to coast, the company announced Wednesday. 

WASHINGTON — Many health insurance plans are failing to provide coverage mandated by the healthcare reform law for treatments to help smokers and other tobacco users quit, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids reported Monday, citing a study of insurance contracts by Georgetown University researchers that the group commissioned. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated. 

"We are honored to reaffirm Safeway's support for our employees in the National Guard and Reserve," Burd said. "No other public service could be more important than providing support to our men and women in uniform."

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society on Friday honored 19 companies, including three retail pharmacy operators and three consumer packaged goods companies, with its Excellence in Philanthropy award — recognizing the companies for their generous support of the society’s efforts to eliminate cancer as a public health burden.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess Brands, the maker of Twinkies and Ho Ho's, is closing down amid a union strike that the company said forced it to halt operations.

CLEVELAND — People with diabetes in Cleveland enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored health plans can obtain free diabetes management services from Rite Aid, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The chain's pharmacists are participating in the Diabetes Control Program, part of UnitedHealth Group's Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, which is aimed at addressing the problem of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two new wooden toys that won a contest sponsored by Midwestern mass merchandiser Meijer will be featured exclusively on the retailer's website, the company said Thursday.

Meijer announced the winners of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest: Franklin, N.C.-based Circa Toys' Wagon of Blocks and Goshen, Ind.-based Peters' Group's Stick & Stack Cozy Cabin. The Wagon of Blocks, which sells for $69.99, is designed for children ages 1 to 3 years, while the Cozy Cabin, at $44.99, is for children ages 4 to 8 years.

Continued growth and increased competition from Amazon.com and the dollar stores. Improved in-stock levels offset by questionable in-store execution. Reduced buyer turnover and senior executives receptive to trading partner views.