EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — U.S. health care giant McKesson Corp. is buying a big part of drug store operator Katz Group Canada Inc. for $920 million Canadian (US$918 million)

The San Francisco-based company said Monday it will acquire the independent outlets and franchise businesses of Katz, a privately held company.

Those mainly operate as I.D.A. and Guardian brands across Canada.

McKesson has been the primary pharmaceutical distributor to both for years.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of this year, assuming it passes regulatory hurdles.