Boots set for takeover talks

Alliance Boots' private equity buyers Kohlberg Kravis Roberts are preparing to meet the group's pension fund trustees in a bid to end the row that threatens to derail the £11.1bn (€16.4bn) takeover.

Boots deputy chairman Stefano Pessina and KKR have reportedly agreed to discussions with the healthcare giant's pension fund guardians early this week, amid reports the trustees were planning High Court action to block the bid.