Guide Note:

Walgreens is a pharmacy chain with over 6,000 stores across the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. Originally founded in 1901, the company has established itself as one of the largest drug store chains in the country.

Fast Facts:

1. Stock symbol: WAG, NYSE
2. Annual revenue (2007): $53.762 billion U.S.
3. Founder: Charles R. Walgreen, Sr
4. Year Established: 1901
5. Industry: Retail pharmacy
6. Phone: 1-847-914-2500
7. Fax: 1-847-914-2654
8. HQ: Deerfield, Illinois
9. President: Gregory D. Wasson
10. CEO: Jeffrey A. Rein
11. CFO: Wade D. Miquelon
12. Staff: 157,700
13. Other key people: Charles R. Walgreen III, Chairman emeritus

• 1901: Company establishes first store opened by Charles R. Walgreen
• 1916: 16 stores open in and around Chicago, Illinois
• 1934: Stores open national wide and grow to around 600
• 1975: Walgreens reached $1 billion in sales
• 2005: The company grows to 5,000 stores across the country
• 2007: Walgreens acquires Take Care Health Systems