Boots’ owner is in discussions with potential buyers about selling the UK pharmacy and health-and-beauty retail business for about $10 billion, according to reporting cited by multiple outlets. The Financial Times, as referenced by Bloomberg, says the talks involve parties including the Weston family and Australia’s Sigma Healthcare Ltd. The discussions come as the current owners are said to be looking to exit their initial public offering (IPO) plan instead of pursuing a listing.
Neither outlet provides details on how far negotiations have progressed, the structure or timetable of a possible sale, or the valuation basis beyond the reported figure. The reports also do not specify whether other bidders are involved beyond those named. It remains unclear whether the parties are making binding offers or participating in preliminary discussions only.
Overall, the reports indicate that the ownership group is exploring a sale process for Boots, with interest from both a UK-linked family and an Australian pharmacy operator, and that plans for an IPO appear to be losing priority.
