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Walgreens Planning Three-Way Split of Company

Walgreens Boots Alliance is planning a three-way split of its company into U.S. retail pharmacy, Boots UK, and U.S. healthcare businesses, with each segment to have distinct capital structures, according to reports. The separation aims to address financing concerns for a potential private equity buyout led by Sycamore Partners. This move could further fragment the struggling pharmacy chain's operations and create new challenges.

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Walgreens Acquisition Could Spark Consolidation in Healthcare Industry Δ1.89

Sycamore Partners' potential buyout of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. could lead to a significant shift in the pharmacy retailer's business segments, potentially sparking consolidation in the healthcare industry as private credit lenders and banks vie for financing opportunities. The acquisition plans involve splitting up Walgreens into separate businesses, which could impact the company's operational capacity and strategic direction. Private equity firms have a history of restructuring companies through acquisitions.

Sycamore Nears Acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Δ1.88

Sycamore Partners is nearing an acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., a deal that could end the drugstore operator's tumultuous run as a public company. The private equity firm and Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens are putting the final touches on a transaction that may be announced as soon as this week. A takeover could lead to the breakup of Walgreens, which runs businesses including UK pharmacy chain Boots and US healthcare provider VillageMD.

Walgreens to Be Taken Private in $10 Billion Buyout by Sycamore Δ1.85

Walgreens Boots Alliance will be taken private by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a $10 billion deal, ending nearly a century of public trading for the second-largest U.S. pharmacy chain. The acquisition reflects Walgreens' struggles with declining prescription margins, increasing debt, and competition from bigger stores. The purchase price represents a 90% drop from the company's $100 billion value in 2015.

Private Equity Firm Acquires Walgreens' Boots Chain for $10bn Δ1.84

Walgreens Boots Alliance is being taken over by a private equity firm in a $10bn deal, reflecting its struggles with growing debt and shoppers going online for cheaper products. The company's shares have fallen by around 80% over the past five years, highlighting the challenges it faces in the rapidly evolving pharmacy industry. A significant portion of the deal involves Walgreens' Boots chain, which has been a key part of the company's operations.

Walgreens Stock Just Crashed 5.4% -- Here's the Shocking Reason Investors Are Panicking Δ1.81

Walgreens Boots Alliance experienced a decline of 5.4% following Deutsche Bank's decision to downgrade the stock from Hold to Sell, accompanied by a reduction in the price target to $9 from $11. Analyst George Hill expressed skepticism regarding the potential buyout by Sycamore Partners, describing it as "incredibly complicated" and unlikely to offer a premium over the current share price. The proposed deal is plagued by challenges within Walgreens' core U.S. business, including substantial debt, opioid-related liabilities, and a pending $2.7 billion IRS tax dispute.

Walgreens Stock Has 'Run Too Far' On Deal Optimism, Analysts Say Δ1.75

Walgreens stock has fallen amid new details about a potential sale, with analysts warning that deal speculation has driven prices too high. Shares of the pharmacy group plummeted more than 5% as investors reassessed the prospects of a sale, citing concerns about complexity and valuation. The company's turnaround plan, which includes store closures and investment shifts, is expected to impact its performance in the short term.

Kantar Owners Bain, WPP Plan Break Up and Sale of Group, FT Says Δ1.73

Bain Capital and WPP Plc are planning to break up and sell market research company Kantar Group, the Financial Times reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The move is seen as a strategic shift for both companies, allowing them to focus on their core businesses and potentially unlock value from Kantar's assets. This development has significant implications for the market research industry, with potential buyers eyeing the company's diverse portfolio of brands and data.

Wall Street's Top Analyst Calls Downgrade Upgrades Δ1.71

Walgreens downgraded by Deutsche Bank to Sell from Hold with a price target of $9, as reports of a potential take-private deal from Sycamore Partners are seen as overly optimistic and complicated to implement. Cava Group upgraded to Overweight from Neutral by Piper Sandler, citing the company's secular growth in fast casual and its strategic initiatives for 2025. The upgrade suggests that investors should consider the trend towards founder-led companies reclaiming control and potentially setting a precedent for similar brands.

Seven & I in Talks with Couche-Tard over Store Sales for Merger Deal Δ1.70

Seven & i Holdings has initiated discussions with Alimentation Couche-Tard over a potential store sale plan that would pave the way for Couche-Tard's $47 billion takeover bid. The proposed divestiture process would involve mapping out the viability of selling off U.S. stores, with potential buyers identified and assessed. If successful, this could provide regulatory approval for Couche-Tard to complete its acquisition of Seven & i Holdings.

Business News Roundup Faces Financial Dilemmas, Regulatory Challenges, and Competitive Pressures Δ1.70

Consumer Reports has released its list of the 10 best new cars to buy in 2025, highlighting vehicles with strong road test scores and safety features. The announcement comes as Eli Lilly & Co. is expanding its distribution of weight-loss drug Zepbound at lower prices, while Target is scaling back its DEI efforts amidst declining store visits. Meanwhile, Costco's luxury goods segment continues to grow, and Apple has secured President Trump's backing for its new investment plan.

Nordstrom Beats Holiday-Quarter Sales Estimates; CFO Jumps Ship to Starbucks Δ1.69

Nordstrom has exceeded Wall Street expectations for its quarterly sales growth, driven by strong customer response to its offerings across both banners. The company's decision to go private with a $4-billion deal from the Nordstrom family and Mexican retailer Liverpool marks a significant strategic shift. As CEO Erik Nordstrom emphasized, customers have responded positively to the strength of the offering.

US Retailers Publicly Scrap Some 'DEI' Initiatives While Quietly Supporting Others Δ1.69

US retailers are walking a tightrope between publicly scrapping diversity, equity and inclusion programs to avoid potential legal risks while maintaining certain efforts behind the scenes. Despite public rollbacks of DEI initiatives, companies continue to offer financial support for some LGBTQ+ Pride and racial justice events. Retailers have also assured advocacy groups that they will provide internal support for resource groups for underrepresented employees.

Saudi Aramco Exploring Initial Bid for BP's Castrol Unit, Source Says Δ1.69

Saudi Aramco is in the early stages of considering a potential bid for BP's lubricant business Castrol, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The Saudi oil giant's interest comes as BP reviews its Castrol business, aiming to generate $20 billion in divestments by 2027. A successful acquisition could help Aramco expand its presence in the global lubricants market.

Shell Mulls Sale of European, US Chemicals Assets, WSJ Reports Δ1.68

Shell is considering a potential sale of its chemicals assets in Europe and the United States, as it aims to simplify its operations and focus on its core businesses. The energy group has hired Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of its chemicals operations, which are expected to be significantly impacted by lower seasonal demand. Shell's trading in its chemicals and oil products division is expected to decline quarter-on-quarter due to reduced seasonal demand.

Palantir (PLTR) Shares Skyrocket, What You Need To Know Δ1.68

Shares of data-mining and analytics company Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) jumped 5.6% in the morning session after Wedbush analysts reaffirmed their Buy rating, suggesting they are unshaken in their resolve, despite the company surrendering most of its post-earnings (Q4 2024) stock gains amid worries about government budget cuts. The analysts highlighted Palantir's ability to win a bigger share of the remaining pie, citing its AI capabilities and involvement in key military projects. However, this move may be short-lived as concerns surrounding the company's financials and CEO Alex Karp's new stock plan continue to cast a shadow over the stock.

Atos to Launch Reverse Stock Split to Restore Investor Confidence Δ1.68

Atos will launch a reverse stock split, likely to take effect by May 1, CEO Philippe Salle said on Wednesday, as the French group seeks to restore investor confidence following the completion of a vital financial restructuring plan last year. The reverse stock split plan was nearly unanimously approved at a general meeting in January. Shares were trading down at all-time lows, around a third of a cent, after the IT company completed a 233-million-euro ($248.49 million) capital increase last year, resulting in massive shareholder dilution.

Albertsons Appoints Insider to Top Role as CEO Vivek Sankaran to Retire Δ1.68

Albertsons has announced the retirement of CEO Vivek Sankaran, with Susan Morris, the current COO, set to take over the role on May 1. This leadership transition follows the supermarket chain's recent challenges, including a failed merger with Kroger, and marks a strategic shift towards enhancing digital sales and retail media initiatives. As Morris steps into the CEO position, she will also be responsible for executing the company's "Customers for Life" strategy aimed at improving customer retention through loyalty programs and personalized experiences.

Seven & I's Future at Stake as Artisan Partners Opposes CEO Succession Plan Δ1.68

Artisan Partners, a U.S.-based investor in Seven & i Holdings, has opposed the Japanese retailer's CEO succession plan and urged the company to reconsider a takeover offer. The activist investor, which is among Seven & i's foreign investors, has expressed its concerns over the company's focus on its core convenience store business. Artisan Partners will vote against Dacus at the company's upcoming annual general meeting, citing his inability to secure financing for a $58 billion management buyout last month.

Private Equity Firm Veritas Said Planning Cambium, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Merger Δ1.68

Veritas Capital is working on a combination of Cambium Learning Group and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, two education-related portfolio companies valued at over $4 billion collectively, as the private equity firm seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for educational technology. The potential merger would bring together two prominent players in the K-12 education sector, aiming to strengthen Veritas' position in the market. However, the deal is still in the early stages of deliberation and no official announcement has been made.

Kroger Outs Long-Time Ceo After Probe Into Personal Conduct Δ1.68

Kroger has ousted long-time CEO Rodney McMullen after a board investigation found that his personal conduct was "inconsistent" with certain company policies, marking a surprise move that comes as the company grapples with the aftermath of its abandoned Albertsons merger. The ouster raises concerns about Kroger's leadership stability and ability to navigate complex operations. The sudden change may have implications for investors and employees alike.

Seven & I in Talks with Couche-Tard over Store Sales for Merger Deal Δ1.68

Seven & i Holdings has initiated discussions with Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT) regarding a plan to divest U.S. stores as part of the Canadian company's proposed $47 billion takeover bid. The talks aim to map out the viability of such a divestiture process and identify potential buyers, allowing for regulatory approval under U.S. antitrust law. If successful, this would facilitate ACT's acquisition of 7-Eleven, bolstering Couche-Tard's presence in the lucrative U.S. convenience store market.

Aldi Announces Biggest Change to Their Business in Their 50-Year History Δ1.68

Aldi is embarking on its largest transformation yet, with plans to open 225 new locations in 2025, marking a significant shift in the discount grocery chain's business model. The company aims to convert over half of these new stores into existing supermarkets, such as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, in the Southeast region. This move is expected to bring about a more streamlined shopping experience for Aldi customers.

Philip Morris Weighs Cigar Sale Amid Smoke-Free Shift Δ1.68

Philip Morris International Inc. is considering selling its U.S. cigar business as part of its broader strategy to pivot towards smoke-free products. The company is reportedly seeking over $1 billion for the cigar division, which was acquired through the recent $16 billion purchase of Swedish Match AB. This move aligns with Philip Morris's goal to reduce its reliance on traditional tobacco products, with a target of smoke-free items making up two-thirds of sales by 2030.

Shell Mulls Sale of European, US Chemicals Assets, WSJ Reports Δ1.68

The energy group has hired Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of its chemicals operations, the report said. Shell declined to comment. Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. The review is in its early stages and Shell has not yet made any definitive decisions regarding a potential sale, the Journal reported, adding that one of the assets included in the review was Shell's Deer Park facility in Texas. Last year Shell sold its refining and chemicals hub in Singapore, one of the world's largest.

Investors Reassess Dividend Strategy for The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc Δ1.67

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.'s upcoming dividend payment on March 28th is set to be a critical test of its dividend sustainability. As investors weigh the pros and cons of buying this stock for its dividend yield, they must consider whether the company's payout ratio is stable and its earnings growth trajectory is robust. With flat earnings per share over the past five years and no clear indication of meaningful growth in the future, investors should exercise caution when evaluating Hanover Insurance Group's dividend prospects.