The Lash Group Plans New Charlotte Region HQ To Accommodate Rapid Growth

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lash Group, Inc., a subsidiary of AmerisourceBergen Corporation (NYSE: ABC), in partnership with Childress Klein Properties and The Springs Company, today announced plans to develop a new national headquarters campus for The Lash Group in the Charlotte metro region to meet the company's existing and future space needs and enhance service to patients on behalf of its clients.

Construction of an approximately 250,000-square-foot Class A office building in Kingsley in Fort Mill, S.C., is expected to begin this summer, with occupancy scheduled for March 2016. Collectively, The Lash Group, Childress Klein and The Springs Company will initially invest approximately $57.3 million to develop the project – which includes the value of a long-term lease commitment – with potential for additional investment in a second facility as The Lash Group grows.

The Lash Group expects to employ 1,200 in Fort Mill initially, including current associates and new hires, while maintaining a significant presence in Charlotte through 2019. Based on current growth projections, the company expects to double its workforce at the new campus over the next several years.

The Lash Group works on behalf of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers to help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and gain and maintain access to the medications prescribed for them. Based in Charlotte, the company also has operations in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Texas and a workforce of 3,000 companywide.

"The new campus will improve efficiency and integration of our teams by consolidating our operations into fewer buildings and providing a superior work environment for our associates, ultimately benefitting the patients we serve," said Tracy Foster, President of The Lash Group. "We are delighted that we were able to find the ideal site for our new headquarters right here in the greater Charlotte region, and The Lash Group looks forward to enjoying continued growth and success here in South Carolina."

"Childress Klein and Springs are excited about the opportunity to create a new national headquarters campus for The Lash Group that will help the company achieve its business objectives and realize its growth potential," said Paul Devine, Partner, Childress Klein Properties. "We look forward to partnering with The Lash Group to bring immediate and long-term benefits to Fort Mill and the entire Charlotte region."

The new Fort Mill campus will be close to a variety of existing and planned amenities for Kingsley, including hotels, restaurants and other businesses to serve the needs of The Lash Group associates and clients. In addition, the campus is adjacent to the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre natural area that associates will be able to enjoy for health, wellness and corporate events.

Lash Group is working with Jones Lang LaSalle on the relocation.

About Lash Group
Lash Group is a patient support services company with more than 20 years of experience in the strategic design and delivery of programs that continuously improve patient access to pharmaceutical products and adherence to therapy. Lash Group applies highly trained personnel and a customer service philosophy of putting the patient first. Through innovative technology and performance reporting, and a commitment to quality and ongoing process improvement, we ensure efficient and optimized delivery of services to patients and providers on behalf of our biopharmaceutical and device clients. Lash Group is a business unit of AmerisourceBergen, one of the largest global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services companies. For more information, go to www.lashgroup.com.

About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen is one of the largest global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services companies, helping both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers improve patient access to products and enhance patient care. With services ranging from drug distribution and niche premium logistics to reimbursement and pharmaceutical consulting services, AmerisourceBergen delivers innovative programs and solutions across the pharmaceutical supply channel. With over $100 billion in annualized revenue, AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, and employs approximately 13,000 people. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #28 on the Fortune 500 list. For more information, go to www.amerisourcebergen.com.

About Childress Klein Properties
Childress Klein Properties, founded in 1988 with major offices in Charlotte and Atlanta, has been responsible for the development of more than 40 million square feet of office, retail and industrial properties throughout Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The name Childress Klein Properties has come to stand for quality and innovation in the design, development and management of real estate properties. From initial concept to project completion, the company's dedicated staff brings a full range of in-depth knowledge to every project it builds and manages. The result is total responsiveness to its clients' real estate development and management needs. For more information, visit www.childressklein.com.

SOURCE The Lash Group, Inc.