Boots Becomes Standalone Company Following $10B Sycamore Acquisition

The Boots Group has become a private standalone company following its $10 billion acquisition by New York-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners, ending Walgreens Boots Alliance's (WBA) tenure as a publicly listed company. Sycamore acquired the business in partnership with longtime investor Stefano Pessina and his family, who reinvested 100% of their interests, signaling strong confidence in the company's future. The Boots Group, headquartered in the UK and led by CEO Ornella Barra, comprises WBA’s former international operations, including Boots UK & Ireland, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, and retail pharmacies in Thailand, Mexico, Germany, and China. Sycamore has created multiple standalone companies from the former WBA business, with Boots expected to be well positioned to invest and grow aggressively under the new private ownership. The Boots UK & Ireland retail chain will continue with its existing management team, led by Anthony Hemmerdinger as senior vice president and managing director. While speculation about potential future sales of the UK Boots chain exists, neither Sycamore nor Boots management have commented on such plans, emphasizing their commitment to continuing transformation and long-term growth.