Rite Aid, once a major US pharmacy chain with 5,000 stores, has announced the closure of all its remaining stores following financial struggles, bankruptcy filings, and legal issues related to opioid distribution, contributing to concerns over increasing pharmacy deserts in the US.
Rite Aid has announced the closure of 53 more store locations, including 18 in California, as part of its ongoing efforts to address financial challenges and lawsuits related to opioid prescriptions. The closures come after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year and have reached settlements, including one with the state of West Virginia for up to $30 million. The court filings did not provide a timetable for the closures, but affected customers can find other nearby locations.
Rite Aid, a major U.S. pharmacy chain, has filed for bankruptcy and secured $3.45 billion in financing as part of a restructuring plan. The company is facing declining sales and opioid-related lawsuits, including a settlement of up to $30 million. The bankruptcy filing aims to reduce debt and resolve litigation claims. Rite Aid's CEO has been replaced, and some underperforming stores will be closed. The filing and noncompliance with listing standards will not impact business operations or reporting requirements.
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to declining sales, billions of dollars in debt, and over a thousand lawsuits alleging the filling of illegal prescriptions for painkillers. The company plans to continue operating its stores and serving customers during the bankruptcy process. Rite Aid's stock has plummeted nearly 80% this year, and it has struggled to compete against larger rivals like CVS and Walgreens Boots Alliance, as well as Amazon. The bankruptcy filing will allow the company to address its debt, close stores, and deal with the opioid litigation.
Rite Aid is reportedly planning to close approximately 400 to 500 of its stores, about a quarter of its total, as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. The company, which has over $3.3 billion in debt and is facing numerous opioid-related lawsuits, aims to either sell the stores or allow creditors to take control of the remaining operations. While discussions are ongoing, a final decision has not been reached. Rite Aid has previously closed down unprofitable stores and reported a significant drop in share price this year.
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure its $3.3 billion debt and address lawsuits related to the unlawful filling of opioid prescriptions. The filing would pause the claims against the retailer and potentially consolidate them in one place. Rite Aid has been facing financial pressures, reporting a net loss of nearly $307 million in the last quarter. The company's bankruptcy risk potential has been deemed significantly higher than average, and it has made targeted reductions to its expenses in an effort to achieve growth in the coming years.
Rite Aid is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy in the coming weeks to address the numerous federal and state lawsuits it is facing over its alleged involvement in the sale of opioids. The drugstore chain does not currently have an agreement with the plaintiffs in these lawsuits.
Canton has received $250,000 from national opioid lawsuits to address drug abuse issues within the local community. The funding will be used to implement programs and initiatives aimed at tackling drug abuse and supporting those affected by it.