The Newshound

Canada's Weston family is to buy Boots for £6.7bn, bringing the British high street icon under new ownership in early 2027

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Canada's Weston family is acquiring Boots through Wittington Investments in a £6.7bn deal, with Galen Weston set to become the chain's chairman.
Canada's Weston family is acquiring Boots through Wittington Investments in a £6.7bn deal, with Galen Weston set to become the chain's chairman.
Canada's Weston family, whose holding company Wittington Investments is buying Boots from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners for £6.7bn, ending any prospect of a London Stock Exchange return.
Canada's Weston family, whose holding company Wittington Investments is buying Boots from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners for £6.7bn, ending any prospect of a London Stock Exchange return.

Wittington Investments, the Weston family's holding company, has reached a deal to acquire Boots from Sycamore Partners for $8.9bn (£6.7bn) inclusive of debt. Galen Weston will become chair once the transaction closes, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2027. Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings is participating alongside Wittington, which will keep operational control. The deal encompasses Boots' UK and Ireland retail operations, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, and its Thailand and franchised businesses.

The Westons are existing owners of Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada's largest pharmacy chain, and formerly held Selfridges, making Boots a natural fit within their retail portfolio.

Established in Nottingham in 1849, Boots has more than 1,800 UK stores and departs Sycamore's portfolio just over a year after Sycamore wrapped up its £7.4bn takeover of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Galen Weston said he sees 'a meaningful opportunity to make a great business even better through stable long-term ownership' and further capital investment.

MoreThe SunBoots SOLD to one of world’s richest families in major £6.7billion dealmarketscreener.comWittington Investments in $8.9 Billion Deal to Buy British Pharmacy Chain Bootsbnnbloomberg.caWestons to buy U.K. pharmacy chain Boots for US$8.9Bnewswire.caWittington Investments Signs Agreement to Acquire Bootsmsn.comCanada’s Weston family to buy British pharmacy chain Boots for $8.9 billionexpress.co.ukHuge £6.7billion update for High Street giant with over 1,800 stores in UK
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →