Walgreens and Humana in talks - reports
Pharmacy giant Walgreens Boots Alliance and US health insurer Humana are in talks about a potential tie-up.
The two are understood to be holding preliminary discussions about taking possible equity stakes in each other, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Neither side has commented on the reports. But Walgreens chief executive Stefano Pessina, who is also the company’s biggest shareholder, has made it clear he is interested in expanding.
Recently announced partnerships include tie ups with the grocery chain Kroger & Co and Laboratory Corporation of America, a medical-testing company. Walgreens also owns 26% of drugs distributor AmerisourceBergen and was understood to have had discussions about acquiring the rest of the business.
The US healthcare industry is undergoing a period of consolidation. As well as a possible Walgreen-Humana tie up, more advanced deals include CVS Health’s $69bn acquisition of health insurer Aetna, which is expected to close this month.