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Boots owner reportedly considering £10bn sale of pharmacy chain – Usdaw seeks assurances

Date: 07 December 2021 Usdaw is seeking assurances for members working in Boots, the iconic health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain, after reports emerged that the parent company is considering putting the business on the market next year.
US retail giant Walgreens Boots Alliance is said to be lining up advisers from Goldman Sachs to explore a potential sale of the pharmacy with a potential valuation of £10 billion. However, the process is thought to be solely exploratory and may not lead to the sale of the 172 year old firm.

Daniel Adams – Usdaw National Officer says: “We note that the company declined to comment on speculation, but acknowledged that the group’s strategic direction ‘includes a more pointed focus on North America and on healthcare’.

“Boots workers are key workers delivering essential services and worked throughout the pandemic. They have contributed to the strong operational of Boots and the growth of its retail and pharmacy arms.

“Although at this stage it is only speculation, this is clearly an unsettling time for our members and we are seeking assurances from the company over the future of the business and job security.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 380,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers