Walgreen to buy files from Kmart

DEERFIELD (AP) – Walgreen Co. said Monday it is buying prescription files and inventory from 33 Kmart pharmacies in 16 states.

Walgreen, the largest drugstore operator in the U.S., did not disclose terms of the deal. It said the purchase will close in February, and the prescription files will be transferred to nearby Walgreen stores.

Patients who have filled a prescription at the stores within the last two years will get letters explaining the changes.

Walgreen runs 7,818 stores in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Its shares slipped 49 cents to $33.74 in afternoon trading.