Under the new deal, WBA plans to buy 2,186 stores, three distribution centers and related assets from Rite Aid for $5.175 billion in cash, the assumption of related real estate leases and an option for Rite Aid join the Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH group purchasing organization for pharmaceuticals. The transaction is expected to be completed in the next six months, pending FTC approval and other closing conditions. Just before announcing the new pact with Rite Aid, WBA authorized a stock buyback program for up to $5 billion of the company's shares, which Tanquilut called "an added bonus that should lift [WBA] shares back to levels seen pre-Rite Aid decision volatility." Fitch Ratings viewed the new agreement with Rite Aid as a "strategic positive" for WBA, which it said is the second-largest play in the U.S. arena with a 20% prescription market share.