A buyout approach made to Alliance Boots has raised speculation that a private equity takeover bid for the UK’s third largest supermarket chain, Sainsbury’s, could be off the cards.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Consumer goods retailer Alliance Boots has received a GBP9.7bn (US$18.74bn) offer from deputy chairman Stefano Pessina, with the backing of private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).


KKR is also a member of the consortium that declared its interest in Sainsbury’s at the beginning of February. If KKR were to decide it is unable to combine the two projects, the Sainsbury’s consortium would need to find a new partner or rearrange itself by 13 April, the deadline set by the UK’s Takeover Panel.


The consortium eyeing Sainsbury’s currently consists of KKR, CVC, Blackstone and Texas Pacific. It has been reported that the consortium could have lined up Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays Capital to help finance the move should KKR drop out.


Sainsbury’s shares, which have skyrocketed since the news of private equity interest broke, dropped 2.21% to 532 pence at time of press.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now