Sigma Healthcare withdraws Boots bid
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Jun 15, 2026 · Last updated Jun 15, 2026
The withdrawal of GE HealthCare from the acquisition talks for Walgreens Boots Alliance led to a 6% jump in GE HealthCare's shares, as investors reacted positively to the company focusing on its established growth strategy in the Australian market. For Walgreens Boots Alliance, the event extends a period of uncertainty regarding its strategic ownership, potentially impacting its future growth and market positioning.
Australian pharmaceutical group GE HealthCare has withdrawn its interest in acquiring the UK retail chain Walgreens Boots Alliance, a deal estimated to be worth $10 billion. GE HealthCare stated that the acquisition would not meet its strategic and capital investment objectives, despite its commitment to international growth, particularly in the United Kingdom. This decision has prolonged the uncertainty surrounding the 177-year-old Walgreens Boots Alliance chain, which was put up for sale in 2022 and is currently owned by US private equity group Sycamore Partners. Other potential suitors, such as Canada's Weston family, had also held talks. GE HealthCare's shares rose 6% following the announcement, indicating investor relief that the company would focus on its existing opportunities, including its merger with Chemist Warehouse and its recent acquisition of Greenlight Healthcare in the UK.
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