CVS Pharmacy has announced its plans to acquire hundreds of Rite Aid stores across the country, with many of them operating in Washington and neighboring states.

The corporation also agreed to acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across 15 states in areas that CVS serves, a spokeswoman said.

What isn't clear is whether the Bartell name that has been such a presence in the Seattle area will survive, with several experts warning that the ubiquitous brand could disappear.