02:14 PM EDT, 06/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with additional details in second to fourth paragraphs, attempt to reach Walgreens for comment)

Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ) has put on hold plans to launch an initial public offering of Boots while it weighs its ownership of the UK drugstore chain, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The company is currently assessing other options for the UK business and has continued informal talks with potential buyers including private equity firms, according to the report.

No final decision has been made regarding Boots' UK business, which could be valued at around 7 billion British pounds, or $8.9 billion, in a sale, the report said.

"Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ) is conducting a strategic review of our assets to drive sustainable long-term shareholder value. All options are on the table," Bloomberg quoted a spokesperson for Walgreens as saying.

Walgreens did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Price: 15.93, Change: +0.07, Percent Change: +0.41