Target Partners with METRO Regarding the Operation of Brunet Pharmacies in Target Stores in Quebec

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Target and METRO INC.'s subsidiary, McMahon Distributeur pharmaceutique Inc., today announced that they are partnering together regarding the operation of in-store pharmacies at Target locations across Quebec. The partnership under McMahon's Brunet banner will provide pharmacies in the majority of Quebec store locations and help deliver on a mutual commitment to making healthcare an essential part of the Target guest experience. As previously announced, Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013 and will open its first 25 stores in Quebec this fall.

"We're pleased with the positive response we've received from guests at the 62 in-store pharmacies that are currently in operation throughout Canada, and look forward to delivering superior, patient-focused healthcare to our guests in Quebec," said Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada. "Brunet's reputation as a leader in promoting patient health and well-being, combined with its specialized product offering, makes Brunet the ideal strategic partner to help us deliver outstanding patient care in Quebec."

Under the agreement, McMahon, which is the franchisor of the highly respected Brunet banner, will enter into agreements with pharmacist-owners who will own and operate pharmacies within Target stores across Quebec. McMahon will provide supply chain and inventory services as well as all the operational support to the Brunet franchised pharmacist-owners. The in-store pharmacies will carry Target owned brands and provide guests with access to prescription, pharmacy and health consultation services that are an essential part of the Target experience.

In particular, guests will benefit from the Brunet banner's exclusive MaSanté online tool, which will provide them with personalized options to access their personal file online.

"The agreement with Target provides an excellent growth opportunity for METRO's pharmaceutical division, particularly for the Brunet banner, as it enables us to significantly increase our presence, our purchasing power and our sales potential in Quebec. In all, 18 new pharmacies, including 12 in the Greater Montreal area, will be set up by the summer of 2014, bringing the total of Brunet to 168" said Eric R. La Flèche, President and CEO, METRO Inc.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,856 stores - 1,788 in the United States and 68 in Canada - and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit target.ca/corporateresponsibility.

About METRO INC.
With annual sales of over $11 billion and over 65,000 employees, METRO INC. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, The Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.

SOURCE: Target Canada

Contacts: 

Lisa Gibson, Target Public Relations, [phone]
Target Media Hotline, [phone]
Marie-Claude Bacon, Metro Inc. Corporate Affairs, [phone]