Walgreens To Explore Options For UK's Boots Pharmacy Chain: Sky News

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ:WBA) has reportedly lined up Goldman Sachs to advise it on reviewing options for Britain's high street chemist, Boots.
Spinning the chain off into a separately listed company could also be a possibility, reported Sky News.
Boots operates a network of 2200 stores and employs 55,000 people.
In recent months, the speculation has been in the air that WBA might contemplate a sale of its British retail business, following the disposal of its European distribution arm, Alliance Healthcare, for $6.5 billion earlier this year.
Sky News report suggests that private equity funds will inevitably be among the suitors for Boots.
According to one analyst, the pharmacy chain's value is between £10 billion - £12 billion, although it is unclear whether any emerging bids will be tabled within that range.
The likely valuation would be closer to half that range per another market source.
The report quoted US-based Walgreens saying, "However, it is accurate that WBA announced a renewed set of priorities and strategic direction for the Group in October, which includes a more pointed focus on North America and on healthcare."
Earlier this week, Walgreens Boots Alliance and McKesson Corp (NYSE:MCK) agreed for Walgreens to acquire the remaining 30% share of their GEHE Pharma Handel and Alliance Healthcare Deutschland joint venture in Germany.
Price Action: WBA shares closed 4.28% higher at $46.53 on Friday.