0030 GMT - Sigma Healthcare's flirtation with an acquisition of the Boots pharmacy chain in the U.K. hinges a lot on the outlook for the business, suggests Macquarie. As a product category, health and beauty have tailwinds. A deal could also boost Sigma's EPS by 2%. Macquarie contends. Still, it says "key to an attractive deal is ability to unlock other value." This could include a look at Boots's business structure, including potential for a franchise offering. Also, the efficacy of Sigma's existing Chemist Warehouse format and the broader outlook in the U.K. "Getting comfort on these or other potential initiatives would be critical in deal attractiveness, if progressed," says Macquarie, which rates Sigma at outperform. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 10, 2026 20:30 ET (00:30 GMT)

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