Walgreens to make layoffs

DEERFIELD, Ill. — According to published reports, Walgreens will be laying off over 600 employees across the U.S. following its acquisition by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing company letters. Walgreens is cutting 469 jobs in Illinois and plans to cut another 159 positions in Texas, where it is closing a distribution center, the report said.

"We’re focused on becoming America’s best retail pharmacy, beginning with improving the in‑store experience for our customers and patients. To do this, we’ve made the difficult decision to simplify our organization in both the support center and with our field leadership to speed decision making and improve the service that millions of customers rely on every day. We have deep respect for our colleagues and greatly appreciate their contributions and are committed to supporting them throughout this transition," said a Walgreens spokesperson.