Mississippi, Missouri

Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. has entered into an agreement to purchase a regional drugstore chain in the mid-South region of the United States from Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings Inc. The transaction includes 144 stores currently operated under the USA Drug, Super D Drug, May’s Drug, Med-X and Drug Warehouse banners. The stores are located in Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The acquisition also includes corporate offices, a distribution center located in Pine Bluff, Ark., and a wholesale and private brand business, for a total of approximately $438 million. The transaction is expected to close Sept.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy is trying to ease consumers’ pain at the pump with its latest promotion offering $10 free gas in exchange for spending $30 in the store. To reap the benefits of the promotion, customers must look for the “get free gas” symbol that’s on select items throughout the store. After presenting their ExtraCare card when buying at least $30 of qualifying products the customer will receive a coupon for a $10 gas gift card. That coupon can then be redeemed for the gift card, according to the company's website. CVS’ gas discount program follows on the