Canadian Weston family holding company Wittington Investments has agreed to acquire UK and Ireland pharmacy and beauty retailer Boots for USD8.9 billion, including assumed debt. The deal, backed by Fairfax Financial, includes Boots Opticians and No7 Beauty Company, plus operations in Thailand and franchise markets. Wittington will have operational control and plans further investment in stores, ecommerce and healthcare services. Completion is expected in Q1 2027. (Boots)