The Canadian branch of the Weston family is reportedly in talks to acquire Boots from private equity owner Sycamore Partners, according to the Guardian’s October 1 report, updated October 2.
The reported price is approximately US$9 billion, or £7 billion. The Guardian cited Financial Times reporting about the advanced discussions, but did not report a signed or completed transaction. Boots declined to comment.
A purchase would bring the Canadian Westons back to British high-street retail after their sale of Selfridges in 2022. Their Canadian interests include Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart; the family’s UK branch operates through a separate investment vehicle.
Boots operates roughly 1,800 stores in the UK and employs about 51,000 people, according to the report. The talks follow Sycamore’s acquisition of the wider Walgreens Boots Alliance group in 2025. The reported negotiations do not establish that ownership has changed.
