Mergers & Acquisitions

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Alliance Boots took the first step in creating what will be the first and largest global retail pharmacy player, the two companies announced Tuesday.  "This creates an opportunity for us together to create an international expansion platform," Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson told reporters and analysts early Tuesday morning.

Alliance Boots is a U.K.-based international, pharmacy-led health and beauty group that operates 3,330 retail businesses in 11 countries.

New York -- Zumiez Inc. on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy Austria-based Blue Tomato for 59.5 million euros ($75 million). The teen retailer also raised its second-quarter revenue outlook.

Blue Tomato sells branded snowboarding and skating gear, apparel and footwear through its e-commerce website, which is available in 15 languages, and five stores in Austria. The company will continue to be headquartered in Schladming, Austria, and senior management will continue in their current roles.

Houston -- Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said it has hired Derek Hargrove as a senior associate in the Houston office.

In his new position, Hargrove will focus on the sale of multi-tenant shopping centers throughout southwest Texas. He also holds the title of associate director of Marcus & Millichap’s National Retail Group.

PHILADELPHIA — Plans for a new distribution center near Philadelphia will allow Dollar General to more effectively replenish its rapidly expanding store base.

New York -- Barnes & Noble reported Tuesday that it narrowed its loss for the quarter ended April 28 to $57.6 million, compared with a loss of $59.4 million in the year-ago fourth quarter.

Revenue was essentially flat at $1.38 billion, missing Wall Street’s expected $1.48 billion in revenue. Retail sales rose 5% to $1.05 billion and Nook sales fell 11% to $164 million, as the company took back its Nook Simple Touch e-reader from retailers to make room for new inventory.

Same-store sales increased 4.5%.

PLANO, Texas — Investors who were holding out for some of Michael Francis' Target marketing magic to rub off on JCPenney will be left wondering what could have been, as the company announced Francis' departure effective Monday.

CEO Ron Johnson will assume direct responsibility and oversight of the company's marketing and merchandising functions.

Johnson said, "We thank Michael for his hard work at JCPenney and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

SUFFERN, N.Y. — Ascena Retail Group has completed its acquisition of Charming Shoppes. The company also plans to cease operating and close down Charming Shoppes’ Fashion Bug business by early 2013, and is exploring a potential sale of Charming Shoppes’ Figi’s business, which markets food and specialty gift products.

In 2011, Charming Shoppes closed 124 Fashion Bug stores. The chain had previously announced its intention to continue to close certain Fashion Bug stores.

Plano, Texas -- In an announcement that caught the retail industry by surprise, J.C. Penney Co. said that Michael Francis will be leaving the company, effective June 18. Chief executive Ron Johnson will assume direct responsibility and oversight of the company's marketing and merchandising functions.