ALEX BRUMMER: Boots' uncertain fate adds to worries about our hollowed out High Streets
2 weeks, 2 days ago

ALEX BRUMMER: Boots' uncertain fate adds to worries about our hollowed out High Streets

Daily Mail  

The survival of Boots as a stalwart of the High Street and suburbs is testimony to the underlying quality of the enterprise. Since Nigel Rudd – aka Sir Sell-Off or the man who sold Britain – disposed of Alliance-Boots in 2007, leaving it in the hands of Europe's pharmacist-in-chief Stefano Pessina and private equity vandals KKR for £12billion, it has been through so much financial engineering that it is hard keep track. Best foot forward: There are hopes that Boots can be set free from Sycamore, without being loaded with debt, as soon as possible Only this week the latest Kantar data showed how supermarket Asda, since it fell into private equity hands, is still shedding market share. Good businesses are slain and the private equity partners, enjoying the tax breaks which come with carried interest, benefit from a good life of private jets, yachts and lavish parties. Boots' uncertain fate also adds to worries about hollowed out High Streets.

Equity High Private Street Boots Poundland  fate  boots  alex  adds  equity  worries  hollowed  stores  hands  brummer  high  uncertain  sycamore  partners  street  debt  private  streets

Discover Related