Boots’ owner is ramping up its efforts to find a buyer for the British health and beauty retailer.
According to Bloomberg, Walgreens Boots Alliance is working with consultants to begin talks with interested parties.
The US giant is believed to be seeking £7bn for the high street retailer, which has 2,200 stores in Britain and employs around 55,000 people.
The firm is also considering listing Boots on the London stock market, which could provide a significant uplift for the City.
Back in 2022 Walgreens attempted to sell the the 172-year-old pharmacy chain but later abandoned the process after suitors failed to meet its asking price, which was thought to be around £7bn.
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At the start of the year, Walgreens Boots Alliance chief executive Tim Wentworth said he was ‘evaluating all strategic options’ to “drive sustainable long-term shareholder value”.
While last November, Boots sold its pension scheme to Legal & General in a £4.8bn deal, in a move thought to make it easier to sell.
During 2023, it also revealed plans to close 300 UK stores over the next 12 months as it sought to “consolidate” the business via a transformation plan.
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