Credit: Reuters/Mike Segar
A CVS pharmacy is seen in New York City July 28, 2010.
The 50-50 joint venture will be operational as soon as July 1, 2014. Under the agreement, Cardinal will pay CVS $25 million on a quarterly basis for the duration of the contract, with an estimated after-tax value to CVS of $435 million.
The companies also announced a three-year extension of their existing distribution agreements, taking them through June 2019.
The U.S. market for medicines has seen a major shift toward cheaper generic drugs following a wave of patent expiries in recent years for major brand-name treatments and a growing effort to lower costs throughout the healthcare system.
CVS shares rose 62 cents, just shy of 1 percent, to $67.35 and Cardinal was up $2.68, or 4 percent, at $66.95 in morning trading.
(Reporting by Michele Gershberg; Editing by Dan Grebler)
