Snyder's Drug Stores, Inc. has announced plans to sell its Wisconsin pharmacies to Aurora Pharmacy. The 3 pharmacies are located in Merrill, Paddock Lake and Twin Lakes.

Snyder's, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, said a factor in the decision to make the change was the fact that it's challenging to competitively operate with only a few retail drug stores in a state.

"Our desire was to find a buyer that focused on the individual needs of a community while also bringing the larger resources that are so essential in today's competitive pharmacy environment," said Dave Schwartz, Snyder's President. "Aurora Pharmacy is a good fit for this purchase because their philosophy on community pharmacy care fits closely with our approach."

The pharmacies that are being sold to Aurora Pharmacy are at:

• 700 North Lake Ave., Twin Lakes
• 25320 75th St., Paddock Lake
• 100 South Mill St., Merrill

"Aurora Pharmacy looks forward to bringing our approach to pharmacy services to these communities," said John Gates, RPh, Director of Pharmacy Operations at Aurora Pharmacy.

"As a part of a larger health system, pharmacists play a key role in Aurora's continuum of care approach, helping to counsel patients and working closely with Aurora physicians," Gates added.

According to Gates, the Twin Lakes and Paddock Lake stores will be remodeled to fit the Aurora Pharmacy brand and wellness approach. The Merrill location will be consolidated with the Aurora Pharmacy that currently operates in that community to enable residents to receive cost-effective and efficient pharmacy services.

Snyder's operates 70 corporate and 40 independent pharmacies and drug stores in the upper Midwest. Snyder's is affiliated with Katz Group, North America's sixth largest drug store operator.
Aurora Pharmacy, with more than 120 retail pharmacies, is part of

Aurora Health Care, a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a nationally recognized leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers services at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

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Contact: Ron Irwin (414-647-3405)