From a strategic standpoint, this transaction will strengthen our presence in many of our existing markets across the country -- particularly in Northern and Southern California and the Southwest -- and enables us to enter important urban markets like Chicago and Philadelphia for the first time. Additionally, we will enter the stand-alone drugstore business for the first time.

166

We hope to start construction in the early spring.

138

After two months of integration, the merger is going extremely well. The merger creates many opportunities to strengthen our identical store sales through exciting new store formats, a stronger remodel program and an expanding pharmacy business.

112