Walgreens

The nationwide drugstore chain must pay the government at least $300 million and will owe another $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before 2032, according to the settlement.

A buyout to take the drugstore chain private would give it more flexibility to make changes to improve its business without worrying about Wall Street's reaction.

Walgreens says about a quarter of its stores are unprofitable. Big pharmacy chains are struggling with growing retail competition and lower prescription payouts.

Businesses and city services for workers continued to adjust throughout the coronavirus crisis. As restrictions on the community changed to reflect…