Fairfax and Wittington to Acquire Boots Group for $8.9 Billion

Key Facts

1Fairfax Financial Holdings announced a partnership with Wittington Investments to acquire The Boots Group for approximately $8.9 billion.

2The transaction includes retail operations in the UK and Ireland, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, and Thailand franchised businesses.

Fairfax Financial Holdings announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to partner with Wittington Investments to acquire The Boots Group for approximately $8.9 billion, including assumed debt. GlobalNewswire reported that the transaction encompasses retail operations in the UK and Ireland, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, and the group's franchised businesses in Thailand.

FRFHF closed at $1564.9 on October 6, 2026, ahead of the announcement which is expected to result in Fairfax owning 50% of Boots' equity. Under the terms of the acquisition, Wittington will maintain operational control with Galen Weston serving as Chair, as the Canadian investment firms expand their presence in the leading UK health and beauty brand.