Walgreens Boots Alliance in Negotiations for Potential Sale to Private Equity Firm Sycamore Partners

Negotiations:
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is in talks with Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, for a potential sale that could be completed early in 202512.

Market Value:
WBA’s market value has significantly declined from over $100 billion in 2015 to around $7.5 billion, with its share price plummeting nearly 70% this year1.

Strategic Plans:
WBA plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three fiscal years, including 500 in fiscal 2025, as part of its efforts to reposition and improve store operations1.

Operational Challenges:
CEO Tim Wentworth highlighted that only 75% of WBA’s U.S. stores generate adjusted operating income, indicating a need for changes in the remaining 25% of stores1.

Potential Deal Impact:
The sale, if completed, would be a massive investment for Sycamore Partners and could involve divesting parts of WBA or working with partners1.

Sources:

1. https://massmarketretailers.com/wsj-walgreens-in-talks-to-sell-itself-to-private-equity-firm-sycamore-partners/

2. https://ramaonhealthcare.com/walgreens-eyes-private-equity-sale-wsj-report/