Walgreens is looking at potentially acquiring AmerisourceBergen, according to reports

It has been reported that Walgreens Boots Alliance is in serious talks with pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen regarding a potential acquisition.

Owning over 25% of the company already, healthcare providers are increasingly looking at ramping up their responsibilities within patient care, merging with insurers, pharmaceutical distributors and technology companies in the development of a first-class patient centered model

Walgreens, along with Cardinal Health and McKesson, are responsible for the majority of the US pharmaceutical market, distributing to healthcare providers both within acute and community settings.

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With Amazon set to further delve into pharmaceutical distribution, many companies are looking at new ways to remain competitive against new players, whilst lowering healthcare costs.

Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway, JP Morgan and Amazon have decided to join forces to provide lowered healthcare costs to its employees through the implementation of further technologies. If successful, it is hoped that this healthcare model will be rolled out across the US.

If a potential deal is struck, the partnership will merge one of the largest drug chains in the US, with one of its largest distributors within the pharmaceutical market.

AmerisourceBergen presently holds a market value of over $19 billion, whilst Walgreens is approximately $68 billion, with up to 13,200 stores in 11 countries, Thomson Reuters has stated. AmerisourceBergen has also recently acquired H.D. Smith, which will strengthen its existing pharmaceutical portfolio.