Canada’s Weston family buys Boots for $8.9bn
Canada’s Weston family, owners of Selfridges, agreed to purchase the UK pharmacy chain Boots for about $8.9 billion. The deal ends the backing of Italian billionaire Stefano Pessina, who held a controlling stake. The price represents a premium over the prior valuation, and the sale awaits UK competition clearance. The acquisition could broaden the family’s health‑and‑beauty retail presence, and transaction is expected to close this year.