Weston family nearing deal to buy UK pharmacy chain Boots: reports
Canada’s billionaire Weston family is reportedly closing in on a US$9 billion deal to acquire UK pharmacy retailer Boots.
As first reported by The Wall Street Journal Wednesday (Sept. 30), the Weston’s Wittington Investments, Ltd. is in talks with Sycamore Partners to acquire the chain.
The deal could close in the coming weeks, per reports.
Private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which took control of Boots following its acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. in 2025, also owns Walgreens, Rona and Staples.
The firm appointed former Shoppers Drug Mart president Mike Motz as CEO of the Walgreens following the transaction.
Boots is the largest health and beauty retailer in the UK with more than 1,800 stores.
Wittington Canada—the Canadian branch of UK-based Wittington Investments Ltd.—holds a controlling interest in George Weston Ltd., which owns controlling stakes in Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Choice Properties REIT.
The firm previously owned Selfridges Group Ltd., comprising luxury retail businesses Selfridges, Brown Thomas and Arnotts, de Bijenkorf and Holt Renfrew.
Wittington Canada sold Selfridges Group in 2022 but retained ownership of Holt Renfrew.
UK-based Wittington Investments Ltd.’s principal investment is a majority holding in Associated British Foods plc, which owns businesses such as Primark, Twinings Ovaltine and British Sugar.
