A nation-wide, $2.36 billion acquisition will affect six Brooks and Eckerds pharmacies in Maine, including one in Waterville.

The six Maine pharmacies are part of a larger push by Rite Aid to become the largest East Coast drugstore chain. Rite Aid Corporation on Monday announced the purchase of 1,854 Brooks and Eckerds facilities in 18 states.

When the takeover is complete, Rite Aid will control 83 stores in Maine.

The takeover will involve remodeling and technology upgrades, according to Rite Aid president and chief executive officer Mary Sammons.

The company did not respond immediately to queries of exactly how the change will affect employees at local Brooks and Eckerds pharmacies, but current employees should have a chance at keeping their jobs, Sammons said.

“These are good stores in good locations with dedicated associates,” she said. “We are eager to bring them into Rite Aid, and we’ve got the infrastructure, management team ... and plan to do it,”