Wittington Investments in $8.9 Billion Deal to Buy British Pharmacy Chain Boots
By Robb M. Stewart
The Weston family behind Canada's largest grocery chain has reached a deal to buy U.K. pharmacy Boots from Sycamore Partners for $8.9 billion including debt.
Wittington Investments, the Weston's holding company, said it reached a definitive agreement to buy Boots and its associated businesses in partnership with Stefano Pessina and his family.
The move will see Wittington buy Boots' retail operations in the U.K. and Ireland; the Boots Opticians chain, No7 Beauty Co., and its Thailand and franchised businesses. Sycamore Partners, in partnership with Pessina and his family, will retain ownership of Boots's other interests in Farmacias Benavides and Alliance Healthcare Deutschland.
Toronto-based Fairfax Financial is partnering with Wittington on the acquisition.
Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 07, 2026 10:10 ET (14:10 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
Popular
The Smartest Moves for Bond Investors Today, and What to Do When You Have Too Many Investments
Undervalued by 15%, This Utilities Stock Could Be an Unexpected AI Winner
The Thrilling 37
3 Stocks to Sell and 3 Stocks to Buy for October
United States