End of discussions on takeover estimated at $10bn extends uncertainty for 177-year-old British chain Business live – latest updates The Australian pharmaceutical group Sigma Healthcare has dropped its pursuit of the UK retail chain Boots, abandoning a takeover estimated to be worth $10bn (£7bn). Sigma, a wholesaler and retailer, said on Monday that a deal to buy the high street pharmacy business – which has 1,800 UK stores – would not meet its strategic and capital investment objectives. Continue reading...