The transaction values Boots at $8.9 billion (£6.7 billion) and includes its UK and Ireland retail operations, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company and other international businesses. The transaction is expected to complete in early 2027.
After achieving recognition as the recognised independent trade union for pharmacists at Boots in 2019, the PDA Union represents pharmacists with collective bargaining rights covering matters including pay, hours and holidays, alongside consultation on a range of workplace issues.
The PDA says its immediate priority will be to represent the interests of pharmacists throughout the change of ownership and to engage constructively with both existing management and the new owners.
Paul Day, PDA Union Director said:
“Boots is one of the best-known names in UK pharmacy, and its pharmacists play an enormously important role in providing healthcare to patients and communities across the UK.
“A change of ownership on this scale will understandably lead pharmacists and other employees to want to understand what it means for them, their patients and the future direction of the business.
“We note positively the new owner’s comments about stable, long-term ownership and further investment. We will want to understand what those commitments mean in practice for Boots pharmacists, including investment in the pharmacy operation, staffing, professional practice and the working environment.
“The PDA has an established relationship with Boots through our recognition agreement and we expect the voice of pharmacists to be fully heard as the business moves into this next chapter.
“Our members’ professionalism and commitment are fundamental to the success of Boots pharmacy. Any strategy for growing healthcare services must therefore recognise pharmacists as clinical professionals and ensure they have the staffing, resources, professional autonomy and working environment necessary to provide safe and effective care.
“Ownership may change, but our role does not. The PDA will continue to represent Boots pharmacists collectively and individually, protect their interests at work and engage constructively with the employer on their behalf.”
Reports say that the new owners see an opportunity to improve the business through “stable long-term ownership”, saying its plans include investment in stores, digital services and the expansion of healthcare services.
The PDA believes the expansion of pharmacy-based healthcare can bring significant benefits to patients and highlight that sustainable growth depends upon investment in the pharmacists and pharmacy teams responsible for delivering those services.
The PDA will continue to engage with management under the incoming owners about their plans and will keep members at Boots informed as further details emerge. The PDA is a membership organisation and those pharmacists who have not yet joined are encouraged to do so.
Employed at Boots, but not yet a PDA member?
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