TORONTO – The family behind Canada’s biggest pharmacy and grocery chains is growing its empire with the acquisition of U.K. drugstore Boots.
Weston family holding company Wittington Investments says it will purchase Boots for US$8.9 billion (almost C$12.7 billion), including debt, from private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
Along with Boots’ retail operations in the U.K. and Ireland, Wittington will acquire its operations in Thailand and franchised businesses, its optical division and No7 Beauty Company.
Toronto-based holding company Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. will partner with Wittington on the acquisition.
Boots is among Britain’s most prominent retailers and has many similarities to Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canadian pharmacy giant with ties to the Westons.
The Westons are best known in Canada for building Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and George Weston Ltd. and owning luxury department store Holt Renfrew.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2026.
Companies in this story: (TSX:FFH)
