Walgreens, a historic Chicago drugstore chain, was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a highly leveraged buyout, raising concerns about its future stability due to high debt levels, past corporate struggles under similar ownership, and recent cost-cutting measures, which may lead to store closures, job losses, and reduced community access to healthcare by 2026.
Sycamore Partners has completed its acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance, with Walgreens operating as a standalone company under private ownership, and the company's stock ceasing trading on Nasdaq. The deal includes a cash consideration and potential future payments from WBA shareholders, with key stakeholders expressing confidence in the future of the pharmacy chain and its related businesses.
Walgreens Boots Alliance shareholders overwhelmingly approved the company's acquisition by Sycamore Partners, with about 96% voting in favor, paving the way for the transaction expected to close in late 2025, which includes a cash payment of $11.45 per share and potential additional proceeds from divested assets.
Walgreens Boots Alliance shares rose on Friday after reports that Sycamore Partners is seeking funding for a potential $10 billion acquisition to take the company private. Sycamore is in talks with major banks to finance the deal, which may involve selling Boots and VillageMD. Walgreens has previously rejected acquisition offers from firms like Apollo Global Management and KKR.
Walgreens Boots Alliance is in discussions to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, following a significant drop in its share value. The potential deal, which could be finalized by early next year, would mark Sycamore's largest acquisition, with Walgreens' market capitalization reaching $9 billion after a recent stock surge. Walgreens has faced financial challenges, including weak consumer spending and low reimbursement rates, and has been exploring various strategic options to address its declining earnings.
Sycamore Partners is in discussions to acquire Walgreens Boots Alliance, potentially taking the struggling drugstore chain private. The news, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, led to a significant stock surge, marking Walgreens' largest single-day gain since 1980. Walgreens has faced financial challenges, including a $3 billion loss in the fourth quarter and plans to close 1,200 stores. The company has been a potential take-private candidate for years, with previous interest from KKR & Co.
Walgreens shares surged by nearly 25% following reports that the company is in discussions to sell itself to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The potential deal, which could be finalized early next year, comes as Walgreens faces challenges such as post-pandemic transitions, leadership changes, and financial underperformance. The company plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years, with 500 closures in fiscal 2025, as it struggles with unprofitable locations.
Private-equity firm Sycamore Partners is considering a bid to acquire Macy's, which has recently rejected an unsolicited offer from another investment group. The potential takeover comes as Macy's faces declining sales and has announced significant job cuts. Sycamore, known for its retail properties like Ann Taylor and Belk, has been in talks with Macy's since late December. Despite previous takeover attempts from other investors and competitors, Macy's has rebuffed the recent offer and is focused on executing its business strategy.
Chico's FAS, a retailer, saw its stock soar by 63% after announcing its agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $7.60 per share. The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Upon completion, Chico's FAS will become a privately held company.