Miller Drug, which has operated from State Street in Bangor for more than 50 years, is expanding its brand by merging with Affiliated Pharmacy Services.

The merger creates a joint business entity known as Miler Drug LLC, according to a press release. Affiliated Pharmacy Services is operated by Affiliated Healthcare Services, the for-profit arm of Brewer-based Eastern Maine Health. Affiliated Pharmacy's three locations -- Riverside Pharmacy and Westgate Pharmacy in Bangor, and Whiting Hill Pharmacy in Brewer -- will be renamed Miller Drug. The merger will create one of the largest independently-owned community pharmacies in the Northeast.

All regulatory and licensure changes are expected to be complete by early summer.