The guardians of Alliance Boots' pension scheme struck a funding deal with the group's private equity buyers today, breaking the deadlock that threatened the £11.1bn (€16.46bn) sale of the healthcare giant.

The guardians of Alliance Boots’ pension scheme struck a funding deal with the group’s private equity buyers today, breaking the deadlock that threatened the £11.1bn (€16.4bn) sale of the healthcare giant.

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.