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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has begun a strategic review of its U.K.-based Boots business, according to a Reuters report, which cites remarks made by WBA chief executive officer Rosalind Brewer Tuesday at the J.P Morgan Healthcare Conference.
“This review is very much in line with our renewed priorities and strategic direction,” Reuters quotes Brewer as saying. “In particular, our increased focus on U.S. health care. While the process is at an exploratory stage, we do expect to move quickly,” Brewer said
The Boots business has over 2,200 stores across the U.K., which include pharmacies, health and beauty stores, among others, according to the chain’s website.
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% in the quarter ended November due to increased footfalls.
