Two Success Stories Become One as Associated Pharmacies, Inc. and United Drugs Announce their Proposed Corporate Merger

[Pharmacy Technology Resource, LLC]

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Two Success Stories Become One as Associated Pharmacies, Inc. and
United Drugs Announce their Proposed Corporate Merger

Pharmacy co-operatives to become a single corporate entity.

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus) February 23, 2009 -- Today, two of the nation’s
most successful independent pharmacy co-operatives have announced a
plan to merge their organizations.


Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (API) of Scottsboro, AL and United Drugs
in Phoenix, AZ have put plans in place to combine into a single
corporate entity with a joint membership of more than 2,000
independent pharmacies. The United Drugs and API merger establishes a
truly independent force in retail pharmacy.


“This merger has many benefits, but only one goal: the success of our
members,” said Jon Copeland, R.Ph. and Chief Executive Officer of API.
“Not only will our members own the entire operation, but we will be
working for them on both the purchasing and the selling side of their
pharmacies making them truly independent. No other group can offer its
members that kind of profitable flexibility.”


United Drugs CEO Bruce Semingson, R.Ph. added, “That’s one reason why
this has to be the most compatible merger in the industry. API is
known for running one of the nation’s most successful cooperative-
owned warehouse operations and United Drugs has one of the strongest
Managed Care programs out there.”


Contributing to the synergies of the proposed merger is the fact that
both co-operatives are customers of Cardinal Health, a $91 billion
global health care company ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500.
Executives from both API and United are initiating member educational
meetings, outlining the structure and timeline of the new
organization. Upon member approval, the merger is expected to close in
late 2nd quarter 2009.


“Both our companies have long histories of providing a wide array of
services and programs as well as being vocal advocates for independent
pharmacies,” Copeland said. “Now, with this strategic move, we’re
confident we will become the strongest co-op of independent pharmacies
in the nation.”


About Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (API):

Founded in 1987, Associated Pharmacies, Incorporated (http://
www.apirx.com) (API), is a member-owned buying cooperative that
provides independent pharmacy owners an opportunity to buy like a
chain. API members take advantage of savings on brand, generic, and
OTC products at discounted, volume prices. As a unified voice in an
ever-changing environment, API designs and implements programs to give
its pharmacies the tools needed to run a successful business.


About United Drugs:

United Drugs (http://www.uniteddrugs.com) is a premier pharmacy
cooperative that provides industry leadership, operating expertise,
third party contracting and buying services to independently-owned
pharmacies throughout the nation. United Drugs has over 1,000 pharmacy
members and is growing. For over 30 years, United Drugs has been
helping independent pharmacies not only compete but also thrive in a
dynamic, challenging marketplace.