Boots sold to Weston family for £6.7 billion
The Weston family has agreed to buy the 177-year-old British retailer for £6.7 billion from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
Wittington Investments, the holding company, confirmed the deal on Wednesday. Boots has about 1,800 stores across the UK and Ireland and employs 51,000 people.
The chain generated £7.5 billion in sales last year, a 3.2% increase on 2024. The Weston family owns Canadian grocery chain Loblaws, pharmacy business Shoppers Drug Mart, and previously owned London department store Selfridges.
The deal is expected to close in early 2027. Galen Weston, chairman of Wittington, will become chairman of Boots and has signalled plans for shop upgrades and expanded healthcare services.
- £6.7 billion
- Sale price
- 1,800 stores
- Store count
- 51,000 employees
- Workforce
- £7.5 billion, up 3.2% on 2024
- Last year sales
Why it mattersBoots has changed hands multiple times in recent years; stable long-term ownership may improve its stores and services after decades of branch closures and shifting retail habits.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet. Boots operates only in the UK and Ireland; any expansion to Australia would require a separate decision from the new owners.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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