SCOTT'S TO ACQUIRE PHARMACIES

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Scott's Food Stores here said it would purchase Keltsch Pharmacy, a northeast Indiana chain that includes 11 freestanding stores and three in-store pharmacies at Scott's locations.

llion. Keltsch said its volume is $30 million -- which, except for the portion done at the three in-store pharmacies, represents plus business for Supervalu.

A Supervalu spokesperson said the distributor plans to remerchandise the freestanding stores and add some products, once the transaction is consummated.

"The pharmacy business is a natural extension for Scott's, and this agreement opens the possibility of having pharmacies in other Scott's locations," said Nick Ciocca, Scott's general manager and executive vice president.

According to Richard Keltsch, president and chief executive officer of the drug chain, "Scott's philosophies closely align with ours in that Scott's holds its customers' interest first. We are looking forward to joining Scott's and expanding our customer base."