Jean Coutu's 4Q conference call riddled with Eckerd questions.(acquisition of Eckerd)(Brief article)

LONGUEUIL, Canada -- The Jean Coutu Group, parent company of Brooks Pharmacy, reported a boost in fourth quarter sales and earnings, but what analysts were really interested in was the acquisition of Eckerd.

During Friday's conference call to review fiscal year results, most analyst questions focused on Eckerd.

"The only thing we're seeing now is opportunity," said Michel Coutu, president and chief executive officer of the Jean Coutu Group U.S.A., during the call. He added that in the past two weeks, he has visited 100 Eckerd stores in seven markets. "We have a great asset that does not require the same level of TLC that we had even thought originally." …