The Federal Competition Bureau has approved deal by which Loblaws will purchase Shoppers Drug Mart. The bureau will require Loblaws to sell 18 stores. None of these are in Toronto and none seem to carry the company’s flagship name. Most of the locations are small-town Shoppers plus a fe No Frill locations. It isn’t too clearly stated in news reports but it appears this is related to nearby Loblaws or other company franchises which include a pharmacy, or may yet get one. The decision reveals some of the hard-ball tactics used by Loblaws and others with suppliers, such as requiring discounts retroactively. Globe and Mail
