Sycamore Partners announced on August 28, 2025, that it has completed its acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., taking the global pharmacy and healthcare services giant private in a transaction valued at $11.45 per share. The private equity firm is acquiring the business in partnership with Stefano Pessina and his family, who have reinvested 100% of their interests in WBA.
Transaction Structure and Shareholder Compensation
WBA shareholders received cash consideration of $11.45 per WBA share, along with one non-transferable right to receive up to an additional $3.00 in cash per WBA share from the net proceeds of the future monetization of WBA's debt and equity interests in VillageMD. VillageMD encompasses the Village Medical, Summit Health and CityMD businesses.
With the completion of the acquisition, WBA's common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq.
Strategic Vision for Portfolio Companies
Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore, emphasized the essential role these companies play in their communities. "Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., its companies and its dedicated team members play an essential role in the communities they serve around the world," Kaluzny said. "We look forward to partnering with the management teams at each company, including Walgreens, The Boots Group, Shields Health Solutions, CareCentrix and VillageMD. As standalone companies under private ownership, they will build on their proud legacies to enhance the customer experience and deepen the trusted relationships they have earned with millions of customers around the world."
Operational Structure Post-Acquisition
Following the closing of the transaction, Walgreens, The Boots Group, Shields Health Solutions, CareCentrix and VillageMD will operate as separate standalone companies. This structure allows each entity to focus on its core competencies while maintaining operational independence.
Continued Family Commitment
Stefano Pessina expressed confidence in the future direction of the companies under new ownership. "This milestone begins a new chapter for Walgreens, The Boots Group and the other portfolio businesses," Pessina said. "Our family has proudly supported these companies for decades, and we are pleased to continue that commitment alongside Sycamore. Together, we are united in our belief in the future of these organizations and the essential role they play in millions of lives each day."
Advisory Teams
The transaction involved extensive advisory support from major financial institutions. UBS Investment Bank served as lead financial advisor to Sycamore, with Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan acting as co-lead financial advisors. Citi and Wells Fargo provided additional financial advisory services, while Davis, Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as legal counsel and Bass Berry & Sims PLC served as healthcare regulatory counsel.
For WBA, Centerview Partners acted as financial advisor, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP serving as legal advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP as healthcare regulatory counsel. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC also provided financial advisory services and delivered a fairness opinion to the WBA Board of Directors. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP represented Stefano Pessina as legal advisor.
