Walgreens is coming off a tumultuous but important year in which it lost millions of customers in a high profile contract dispute (lately resolved) with pharmacy benefits manager, Express Scripts. But Walgreens’ new international footprint, loyalty card program, enhanced selection of fresh foods in urban desert locations and continued expansion of healthcare services have positioned the company for recovery and long term success. Walgreens now owns a 45 percent stake in Alliance Boots, the biggest drugstore operator in Europe. The combined companies will have over 11,000 stores in 12 different countries.