Website: N/A
Stock Symbol: NYSE: WAG
Market Value: N/A (in millions)
Walgreen Co. (The "company" or "Walgreens") was incorporated as an Illinois
corporation in 1909 as a successor to a business founded in 1901. Walgreens is
the nation's largest drugstore chain (based on sales) and recorded its 33rd year
of consecutive sales and earnings growth. During the year, the company opened or
acquired 563 stores for a net increase of 478 stores after relocations and
closings, not including 58 locations acquired from Option Care, Inc. The total
number of locations at August 31, 2007 was 5,997 located in 48 states and Puerto
Rico. Aggressive growth will continue as the company anticipates operating more
than 7,000 locations in 2010.
Retail organic growth continues to be our primary growth vehicle, but we
carefully consider unique acquisition opportunities when they are a good fit
with the existing store base. In 2007, for example, the company acquired Option
Care, Inc., a specialty pharmacy and home infusion services provider.