Private equity firm could strike £54bn deal to take Boots owner private

The owner of Nottingham-based Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance, could be set to sign a second deal with private equity firm that will take the company private.

Reports suggest that private equity firm KKR has put forward a deal to the pharma giant’s shareholders that could bring forward the largest-ever buyout deal – with analysts suggesting a value of around £54bn.

Earlier this year, Walgreens Boots Alliance said it was shutting 200 UK stores as part of a plan to save $1.8bn.

It would not the first time KKR has worked with the company. Back in 2007, the private equity operator took Alliance Boots private in an £11bn deal.