Australian pharmacy group Sigma Healthcare ends negotiations to acquire UK retailer Boots in a deal estimated at around $10 billion (£7 billion). Multiple outlets report that Sigma withdraws from takeover talks after concluding that the proposal would not meet its strategic objectives and capital investment requirements. Sigma says the transaction does not align with what it seeks for its business, prompting it to discontinue discussions.
The reports also note that Boots is a major UK pharmacy chain, operating about 1,800 stores. Sigma’s withdrawal prolongs uncertainty over Boots’ future ownership, following several rounds of interest and ownership changes over time, including prior ownership involving Walgreens, as referenced by one source.
While the outlets agree on Sigma’s decision to step back and the approximate valuation range, they differ in emphasis on broader implications for Boots and market process. Overall, they present the same core development: Sigma is no longer pursuing a purchase of Boots, leaving open the possibility that other buyers may emerge.
