<p>Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw, has announced that it will buy Shoppers Drug Mart, the country’s largest pharmacy chain, for $12.4 billion in cash and stock.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"This transformational partnership changes the retail landscape in Canada. With scale and capability, we will be able to accelerate our momentum and strengthen our position in the increasingly competitive marketplace," said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman of Loblaw.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The union is intended to provide a competitive foothold in an evolving retail landscape, increased convenience for customer and new growth opportunities for shareholders, according to a release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"Our customer proposition is at the heart of this combination," said Vicente Trius, President of Loblaw. "Together, we will be able to significantly enhance the customer experience by offering even greater assortments, service, value and convenience while preserving the unique shopping experiences that make both companies leaders in their respective segments.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Domenic Pilla, President and Chief Executive Officer of Shoppers Drug Mart, said: "We are delighted to partner with Loblaw to leverage our combined strengths. For our shareholders, this transaction provides significant and immediate value, as well as the ability to benefit from future upside by virtue of their continued ownership of shares in the combined company. For our Associate-owners and employees, who are a valued part of the equation, it provides the opportunity to pursue rewarding careers as we grow together. And for our customers, it provides more locations with an enhanced mix of products and offerings that contribute to the good health of Canadians." </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.loblaw.ca/ " target="_new">Loblaw</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
