Walgreens’ Purchase of Remaining Shields Stake Signals Threat to Independent Specialty Pharmacy Landscape

After increasing its share in Shields Health Solutions last year, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining stake of the health system-owned specialty pharmacy integrator. The move, says one industry expert, may represent one more step in putting independent specialty pharmacies out of business.

After making incremental investments in Shields, Walgreens said on Sept. 20 that it would purchase the remaining 30% stake for approximately $1.37 billion. Shields — which partners with health systems to help them create and grow a hospital-owned specialty pharmacy program — has served more than 1 million people and has almost 80 health system partners that represent nearly 1,000 hospitals across the U.S. Shields will operate as a separate business and brand within Walgreens.