Meijer Acquires Aureus Health Services

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer has signed an agreement to acquire Aureus Health Services, a national specialty pharmacy and health services company based in Pittsburgh and a portfolio company of BelHealth Investment Partners, to enhance its customer offerings, particularly to patients with complex chronic conditions.

“The ability to provide specialty pharmacy services to our customers supports our objective to provide total patient care,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “Between Aureus Health Services’ national strength and the strong Midwest footprint of Meijer, this purchase combines two reputable industry leaders, and creates an opportunity for national growth by providing better service to customers.”

Specialty pharmacies distribute unique pharmaceuticals coupled with high-touch, patient-centered services. Aureus Health Services is a highly-regarded brand with a strong track record of innovation and expansion in the specialty pharmacy space.

“We are very pleased to join the Meijer organization,” Aureus Health Services CEO Michael Nameth said. “This acquisition will not only benefit customers and patients through a stronger organization, but it will also provide growth opportunities for our team.”

Nameth will remain in his role of CEO in the new Meijer business unit. The acquisition is expected to be finalized within the next few months. Meijer plans to maintain the company’s current patient services centers across the country.

All Meijer stores include a pharmacy, growing as a customer destination through expanded clinical services, as well as a free medication program that includes antibiotics, pre-natal vitamins, and medications for individuals with Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The free prescription program has prescribed more than 26 million prescriptions, saving customers an estimated $376 million since its inception in 2006.

Meijer operates 217 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.