Boots health and beauty retailer

Boots is a British health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain established in 1849 by John Boot in Nottingham, UK. Originally focusing on herbal remedies, the company expanded its offerings over the years to include a wide range of health and beauty products, as well as optician and hearing care services. In 2006, Boots merged with Alliance UniChem to form Alliance Boots. In 2012, Walgreens acquired a 45% stake in Alliance Boots, eventually purchasing the remaining shares in 2014, leading to the formation of Walgreens Boots Alliance. In August 2025, Sycamore Partners acquired Walgreens Boots Alliance, resulting in the separation of Boots into a standalone private company, The Boots Group. As of 2025, The Boots Group operates approximately 3,912 stores worldwide, including locations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, and Thailand, and employs around 66,400 people.