BOOTS takeover potential outcomes
In March 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), the parent company of Boots, is being taken over by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a $10 billion deal, potentially leading to a split of the company and a possible listing of Boots on the London Stock Exchange.
Potential Split:
Sycamore is expected to split WBA into separate entities, including a US retail pharmacy, Boots UK, and a US healthcare division.
Boots Future:
This could lead to a potential listing of Boots on the London Stock Exchange.
Walgreens’ Struggles:
The takeover reflects Walgreens’ struggles with rising costs, theft, and shoppers shifting to online shopping.
Market Value:
The price being paid for WBA is significantly lower than its market value a decade ago, reflecting these challenges.
Sycamore’s Expertise:
Sycamore Partners is known for its expertise in retail turnarounds, and this acquisition could lead to a restructuring of Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Boots Store Closures:
Boots has been closing stores in recent years, including 300 stores by the end of 2024 as part of a plan to shut 650 outlets, first announced in June 2024.
So what is the future for Boots and it’s pharmacy staff? As community pharmacies close down under intense financial pressures, will Boots stores follow suit? Will the financial pressures of the National Insurance rise on employers impact pay and job security? what does your future have in store (quite literally)? Pharmacists, ACT’S, Technicians, Dispensers, do you feel confident your place is secure?
We hope so – to lose the influence of a retail pharmacy giant will have a big impact on everyone in the sector, but will this be the outcome and where does that leave you?
Employing locums in all capacities is more attractive to employers right now, as National Insurance is not chargeable to self-employed locums or those operating as limited companies. As pharmacy adapts to new roles and demands and awaits the outcome of contract negotiations with the governments, all grades of staff are in demand. For advice on either self -employed locum status or limited company formation and trading, please contact us.
If a change is as good as a rest, we have pharmacies looking for all grades of staff around the country and abroad. U.K. health policy means that medical tests for visa requirements in Australia are not routinely required and many countries are attractive to live and work in for qualified professionals who can meet registration standards.
Work permit holders and those who require Leave to Remain can be supported through necessary transitions to fill U.K. vacancies where required. We believe that this country remains a welcoming place and want to help those who come here to work and contribute. Why not put our experience to work for you?
Pharmacy and healthcare recruitment since 1992.