Walgreens said on Tuesday that it will buy rival Rite Aid in a $17.2 billion deal that would whittle the nation's one-time mom-and-pop drug-store industry into two massive chains. The deal would combine the second and third largest drug-store operators, and if it gets regulatory approval intensify the already fierce competition between Walgreens and CVS Health. The tectonic shift in the market comes as pharmacies are grappling with the rapidly changing health-care industry, seeking additional negotiating leverage against drug companies and increasingly offering clinical services. Walgreens Boots Alliance, which operates the namesake drug store chain, said it is paying $9 per share in cash in a valuation that includes the assumption of debt. That reflects a 48% premium above Rite Aid's value at the close of trading Monday. Walgreens said Rite Aid would keep its brand name for now. The company expects to save more than $1 billion in "synergies," which could come in the form of combined purchasing power and cost cuts. CVS has 58% market share in the pharmacy and drug store business, Walgreens controls 31% and Rite Aid has 10%, according to research firm IBISWorld. The industry has $263 billion in annual revenue and $10.3 billion in profit. But pharmacies are fending off competition from mail-order prescription discounters, online pharmacies, wholesale retailers such as Costco and health clinics, among others. Consolidation gives the drug-store companies more leverage to negotiate with drug companies. (Source: USA Today)