Could the Boots UK sale fall through?

The UK pharmacy chain’s auction could be “at risk of falling apart” as prospective buyers struggle to finance their billion-pound bids, according to a report in The Sunday Times.

Boots UK
Finding backers and funds to finance prospective buyers' bids is “particularly difficult”

Factors including the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation and interest rates “have combined to push up borrowing costs” for rumoured bidders like Asda’s Issa brothers and made banks reluctant to back offers, the newspaper claimed.

Free to registered users

Register to gain full access to C+D and C+D Community content

Sign in or register for free

Latest from News

Retired pharmacist crushed to death in canal boat accident

 
• By 
 • comment

Margaret Billings sustained fatal injuries when she was caught between a moving boat and a riverbank during a day out “with family and friends”, an inquest has found.

NHSE scrapped: ‘Fresh start or just more political chaos?’

 
• By 
 • comment

C+D rounds up some of the immediate pharmacy reaction to news that NHS England will be abolished, with more control moving back to the government and local leaders…

New primary care medical director role as 2-year NHSE axing begins

 
• By 
 • comment

Wes Streeting has revealed that the DH is “immediately” working to scrap NHS England (NHSE) and put a new “transformation team” in place – adding that it is in the “very final stages” of concluding a new pharmacy contract deal.

More from Business

breaking news

IN FULL: Boots’ parent company sold in $24bn private equity deal

 
• By 
 • comment

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has “entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired” by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Jhoots accounts: Shareholder funds tumble while debts soar

 
• By 
 • comment

Jhoots Chemist’s accounts for 2024 have revealed an almost £2 million year-on-year dip in shareholder funds – as debts to creditors increase more than £2m.