Acquisition expands access to pharmacy services following opening of Holts Summit primary care clinic 

MU Health Care has signed an agreement to acquire Summit Pharmacy in Holts Summit, with the transaction expected to be finalized in December.

The acquisition represents MU Health Care's continued investment in Holts Summit and follows the May 5th opening of a new MU Health Care primary care clinic in the community. Upon completion of the transaction, Summit Pharmacy will become the 12th community pharmacy in the Mizzou Pharmacy network.

"Expanding pharmacy services in Holts Summit is a natural next step in our efforts to improve access to care for patients and families in this community," said Tom Greenlee, executive director of pharmacy services for MU Health Care. "Summit Pharmacy has built strong relationships with its customers over the years, and we're excited to continue that tradition while connecting patients to the resources and expertise of the Mizzou Pharmacy network."

As part of the agreement, MU Health Care expects to purchase the pharmacy's inventory and offer employment opportunities to eligible Summit Pharmacy employees.

"Summit Pharmacy has been proud to serve the Holts Summit community and finding the right organization to continue that legacy was extremely important to me," said Anthony DeSha, owner of Summit Pharmacy. "I'm excited for our patients and community to benefit from the resources and support of the Mizzou Pharmacy network, and I look forward to seeing the pharmacy continue to thrive under MU Health Care's leadership."

The acquisition will provide patients continued access to a local community pharmacy while offering the benefits of the Mizzou Pharmacy network, including enhanced coordination between pharmacists and health care providers.

Patients do not need to receive care from an MU Health Care provider to use Mizzou Pharmacy services. The pharmacy will continue serving all customers, including those whose providers are affiliated with other health systems.

Summit Pharmacy, located at 140 Northstar Drive, will remain open throughout the transition process, prior to the Dec. 7 re-opening as a Mizzou Pharmacy location. Patients are not expected to take any action regarding their prescriptions, and the pharmacy will retain its current phone number, (573) 826-4151.

Contact: Eric Maze, mazee@health.missouri.edu, (573) 876-0708