Boots, one of the largest retailers in the UK and Ireland, may soon be sold or floated as Walgreens Boots Alliance, its U.S. parent company, faces mounting pressure to break up the global pharmacy giant.
 
This is Money reports that investors and board members are urging Walgreens’ executive chairman, Stefano Pessina, and CEO Rosalind Brewer, to accelerate plans to focus on the US and separate its international businesses, including Boots and other European operations.
 
This move is viewed as a way to eliminate “distractions” and refocus the business.

Executive Chairman Supports the Split

While Pessina supports splitting up the company, he is reportedly less eager to rush.
 
Pessina was the architect of the two deals that brought Boots Alliance and Walgreens together in 2012 and 2014, and was the group’s chief executive until 2021 before former Starbucks boss Rosalind Brewer replaced him.

Previous Attempt to Sell

Walgreens attempted to sell off Boots in 2021 but failed to find a buyer willing to pay the £7 billion price tag. The company subsequently announced plans to continue investing in the future of Boots and No7.