{
  "id": 1748470,
  "title": "Sobeys parent Empire to buy nine Morelli’s pharmacies in Ontario",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/sobeys-parent-empire-to-buy-nine-morellis-pharmacies-in-ontario",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T16:29:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/food/2026/08/18/sobeys-parent-empire-to-buy-nine-morellis-pharmacies-in-ontario"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stellarton - Sobeys parent company Empire Co. Ltd. is acquiring nine Morelli’s pharmacies in Ontario, which are located within some Longo’s grocery stores. Each of the pharmacies will be integrated into Sobeys National Pharmacy operations and rebranded as Longo’s Pharmacy. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of fiscal 2027. The cost of acquisition has not been disclosed. This acquisition is part of Empire's strategy to expand its pharmacy and discount grocery footprint under the leadership of new CEO Pierre St-Laurent.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Empire Co. Ltd. to acquire nine Morelli’s pharmacies in Ontario.",
    "Pharmacies to be integrated into Sobeys National Pharmacy operations.",
    "Acquisition expected to finalize in second quarter of fiscal 2027."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}