Takeover talk lifts Boots

Boots shares surged today as speculation over takeover interest from private equity firms caused investors to look beyond the retailer’s trading woes.

The stock put on 2% amid strong dealing volumes after the Wall Street Journal said US-based Blackstone and Texas Pacific and CVC Capital Partners and Cinven of the UK were looking at their options over the £4.6bn (€6.7bn)-rated group.