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Even as its chief rivals, and , continue to grow through acquisitions and by increasingly adding in-store health services, ’s future will be determined by the strength of its partnerships inside and outside health care.

That’s the word from Stefano Pessina, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO, . Pessina said his company’s partnerships with Kroger, Microsoft and care providers like Humana’s and , which develops primary care clinics, are the best and most efficient way to transform.

Walgreens found itself in tough sledding after establishing wholly owned health clinics in 157 of its stores. In October, the retailer said it . If the company decides to establish more in-store clinics, it will look for them to be run by third parties.

Financial analysts have been skeptical of Walgreens’ approach and whether it will generate sufficient revenue and margins to compete effectively against its rivals. It remains to be seen whether CVS Health’s plans to open 1,500 in its retail stores will prove that greater scale will equate to greater financial success.