McKesson Corp., the largest U.S. drug wholesaler, said Thursday it won a $5 billion supply contract with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp., taking business from its biggest rival, Cardinal Health Inc.
In the five-year agreement to provide drugs and medical supplies, along with pharmacy automation systems and consulting services, McKesson also secured business once held by Bergen Brunswig Corp. and Owens & Minor Inc., said Jeff Prescott, spokesman for Columbia/HCA, the largest for-profit U.S. hospital operator, which has several facilities in the Chicago area.
It’s the latest in a series of victories for McKesson, which over the last two months signed agreements with retailers Rite Aid Corp. and CVS Corp. that it said will boost annual revenue by $2 billion.
Shares of San Francisco-based McKesson jumped $6.06, to $80.25. So far this year, its shares have soared 48 percent as profits have grown under Chief Executive Mark Pulido, who was named to head the firm two years ago.
Columbia/HCA said it signed the contract because McKesson agreed to help streamline purchasing of supplies and cut costs.
