More Than 1,100 Katz Group Canada Pharmacies Are PharmAssist

Katz Group Canada Ltd. (KGC) announced today that more than 1,100 of its Pharmx Rexall Drug Stores, Pharma Plus Drugmarts, Medicine Shoppe, Guardian and I.D.A. pharmacies have integrated under the brand and professional program, PharmAssist(TM). Exterior and in-store signage and a multimillion-dollar national advertising campaign beginning in October 2003 will support the PharmAssist(TM) launch. The campaign will feature three key components: WE TAKE THE TIME messaging, Rexall brand and free prescription delivery service at many PharmAssist(TM) pharmacies. "PharmAssist(TM) is our most important initiative to date because it unifies our banners in the core values of our company -- pharmacy first and the health of our customers," said Larry Latowsky, President and CEO, Katz Group Canada Ltd. "PharmAssist(TM) pharmacies will be fully branded. Our customers will not miss that taking the time for our patients drives our PharmAssist(TM) pharmacists and our company. We have also set the platform for next year's 100th anniversary and relaunch of our Rexall brand. Exclusive to PharmAssist(TM) pharmacies, Rexall brand and its many health products lends to Katz Group Canada's goal of further integration and health focus." As a visual symbol of the PharmAssist(TM) We Take the Time message, participating PharmAssist(TM) pharmacists will now affix a PharmAssist(TM) Gold Seal of Approval on a patient's new prescription and sign it only after they have informed the customer about their dispensed medication. Gersh Sone, Vice President Pharmacy, Katz Group Canada Ltd., explains, "The PharmAssist(TM) Gold Seal of Approval is an emblem of excellence and represents the effort and work behind each dispensed medication: our continuing pharmacy education classes, our pharmacy best practices program, our dedication to clinic days and primary care initiatives, and the specialization of many of our pharmacists in areas such as long-term care, home health care and diabetes." Free prescription delivery and Rexall brand advertising will place prominently in a heavy penetration outdoor campaign. Rexall brand products are exclusive to PharmAssist(TM) pharmacies and most Pharma Plus Drugmarts and Pharmx Rexall Drug Stores and many Guardian, I.D.A. and The Medicine Shoppe pharmacies offer free prescription delivery. The multimillion-dollar advertising campaign supporting the PharmAssist(TM) launch includes two separate national television campaigns. The outdoor campaign will be seen in major cities across Canada and a campaign featuring giant PharmAssist(TM) prescription bottles with the free prescription delivery message will begin in October. Commercials will also run on Captivate (elevator video) and on the Professional Health Services network. PharmAssist(TM) originated in 1999 with Katz Group member company, Drug Trading Company Limited. The brand served as a professional services brand and symbol of personalized and professional pharmacy care for Guardian and I.D.A. pharmacy banners. To coincide with the launch of PharmAssist(TM) across its corporate and franchise banners this year, Katz Group Canada has launched the health and pharmacy Web site www.pharmassist.ca. PharmAssist(TM) health information brochures and materials such as the PharmAssist(TM) adult health brochures and Curious George(TM) children's health brochures will be introduced throughout the fall as part of the PharmAssist(TM) launch. About Katz Group Canada: Katz Group Canada Ltd. is Canada's largest integrated network with more stores across Canada than any other retail pharmacy group. Canadian operations include: Pharmx Rexall Drug Stores Ltd., Pharma Plus Drugmarts Ltd., Herbies/Payless, Medicine Shoppe Canada, Drug Trading Company Limited (Guardian and I.D.A. banners and independent pharmacies), MediTrust (Canada's only national mail order pharmacy), ProPharm Limited (systems software/hardware development and service), D.C. Labs Limited (product manufacturing/packaging), and Rexall private label. Katz Group Canada Ltd. is wholly owned by Edmonton-based Katz Group Inc. Katz Group Inc. also operates the chain Snyder's Drug Stores in the United States.