Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG) confirmed that it is in preliminary discussions to acquire UK health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain Boots, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.
The company said there is no certainty that the talks would lead to any transaction.
According to a Tuesday Financial Times report, the company is competing with the billionaire Weston family, which is also in discussions to buy Boots in a potential $10 billion deal.
Sigma Healthcare's shares tumbled about 4% in recent Wednesday trade.