Sun Prairie, Wis. – September 07, 2026 -- Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) has acquired USave Pharmacy Group, effective September 1, 2026, consolidating two organizations that have partnered since 2017 to support independent community pharmacies.
IPC formalizes a nine-year working relationship with USave into full ownership
USave Pharmacy Group, founded more than 40 years ago in Nebraska, has organized independent pharmacy owners through joint purchasing, peer collaboration and dedicated representation. IPC first established a formal agreement with USave in 2017, connecting USave's member pharmacies to IPC's purchasing programs and resources.
USave will retain its brand identity and operating structure post-acquisition
IPC said the deal is structured to preserve USave's name, relationships and internal culture rather than absorb them into a single unified brand. Bill Hamik of USave Pharmacy Group said the group's pharmacies value the responsiveness and shared identity built over decades, and that IPC has committed to maintaining that structure while adding new resources.
IPC's full service divisions will extend support to USave pharmacies
Marc Essensa, President and CEO of IPC, said the acquisition centers on preserving USave's history while strengthening its pharmacies' competitive position. IPC's Member Service, Distribution, Member Performance and Government Relations teams will continue supporting USave pharmacies as they have since 2017. Kate Helf, IPC Vice President of Pharmacy Innovation, who has worked with USave for the past decade, will serve as liaison to manage continuity through the transition.