Brooks Completes Buy

Brooks Pharmacy (Warwick, R.I.) has completed its acquisition of Osco Drugstores, the New England pharmaceutical chain located mainly in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Last December, Brooks announced it was acquiring 80 Osco Drugstores from Albertsons, the nation's second-largest supermarket chain behind Kroger. The pharmacies have operated under the Brooks banner since January 31. The acquisition allows Brooks to enter the Boston market and expand in Southern New Hampshire.

Brooks Pharmacy is New England's oldest drug store chain, operating about 332 stores in six states. The stores offer pharmaceuticals, general merchandise, and its Brooks Brand of vitamins, minerals and laundry products. Brooks is a subsidiary of The Jean Coutu Group, the second-largest drug store operator in Canada.