DEERFIELD, Ill. — According to published reports, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has stopped plans for a possible initial public offering of its UK Boots drugstore chain.
The chain is looking other options for the UK chain and has had informal conversations with possible bidders, including financial sponsors, in recent weeks, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday, which cited people familiar with the matter.
Deliberations are continuing, and no final decision has been made, according to the report.
“Walgreens Boots Alliance is conducting a strategic review of our assets to drive sustainable long-term shareholder value,” the company told Bloomberg. “All options are on the table.”
This comes after Bloomberg reported last month that WBA is reaching out to potential buyers for the £7 billion ($8.8 billion) Boots drugstore chain in the UK. Walgreens is working with advisers to hold early-stage talks with possible buyers.
