What is the reported value and key parties involved in the potential sale of Boots, and how does it affect its IPO plans?

The reported value of the potential sale of Boots is $10 billion (£7.5 billion), with negotiations underway between Boots' current owner Sycamore Partners and two key parties: the Canadian branch of the billionaire Weston family (via Wittington Investments, which holds stakes in Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart) and Australian pharmacy group Sigma Healthcare (SIG.AX). As a direct consequence of these talks, Boots has scrapped its previously planned London IPO — a move that had been under consideration as recently as April, with consultants reportedly working on a strategy overhaul that included a potential IPO as soon as 2027.

Who currently owns Boots, and what was the context of Sycamore Partners' acquisition?

Boots is currently owned by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which took control of the company last year through a $10 billion acquisition of its former parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance. This acquisition marked Sycamore’s entry into ownership, and it is now actively exploring strategic options for Boots — including engaging with potential buyers — having initiated discussions with interested parties before Easter.