Walgreens starts strategic review for UK-based Boots business

[BENGALURU] Walgreens Boots Alliance has begun a strategic review of its UK-based Boots business, chief executive officer Rosalind Brewer said on Tuesday, as the second largest US pharmacy chain tries to renew its focus on US healthcare.

The Boots business has over 2,200 stores across the UK, which include pharmacies, health and beauty stores, among others, according to the chain's website.

"This review is very much in line with our renewed priorities and strategic direction. In particular, our increased focus on US healthcare. While the process is at an exploratory stage, we do expect to move quickly," Brewer said at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference.

The review comes at a time when the company, which was formed in 2014 after the acquisition of stake in Alliance Boots by Walgreens, moves beyond its drugstores with its investments in two smaller healthcare providers, CareCentrix and VillageMD.

Late last year, Walgreens also launched its Walgreens Health unit to provide pharmacy and primary care services in stores, at home, or at a doctor's office and via mobile app.

Boots UK comparable pharmacy sales increased 8.8 per cent in the quarter ended November due to increased footfalls.

REUTERS