Who Owns boots.com?

Boots.com is owned by Boots UK Limited, which is a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). This ownership structure makes boots.com part of one of the world’s largest pharmacy-led health and wellbeing enterprises. Understanding this ownership clarifies the scale and legitimacy of the platform.

Corporate Structure: Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is a global company that operates health and wellness pharmacies, health product retail chains, and distributes pharmaceutical products.

It was formed in December 2014, after Walgreens completed its acquisition of the remaining 55% stake in Alliance Boots, which had previously owned Boots UK Limited.

• Global Reach: WBA operates in numerous countries, serving millions of customers and patients daily. Its vast network includes Walgreens in the United States, Boots in the UK and other European countries, and various other pharmacy and retail brands worldwide.
• Diverse Portfolio: Beyond retail pharmacy, WBA has a significant pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution business, operating under Alliance Healthcare. This comprehensive structure underlines the significant resources and professional management behind boots.com.

Boots UK Limited: The Core Entity

Boots UK Limited is the direct legal entity responsible for the operations of Boots in the UK, including the boots.com website.

• Registered Details: The homepage footer explicitly states: “Copyright © The Boots Company PLC. All rights reserved. Boots.com is a trading name of Boots UK Limited. Registered office: Nottingham NG2 3AA. Registered in England: company number 928555. Registered VAT number 116300129.” These details are crucial for verifying the corporate identity and compliance with legal requirements in the UK.
• Historical Significance: Boots has a rich history in the UK, dating back to 1849 when John Boot opened his first herbalist shop in Nottingham. This long-standing heritage adds to the brand’s credibility and public trust, which extends to its online platform.

Implications of Ownership

The ownership by a major international corporation like Walgreens Boots Alliance means that boots.com benefits from:

• Extensive Resources: Access to vast financial, technological, and human resources, allowing for continuous investment in platform development, security, and customer service.
• Robust Compliance: Being part of a publicly traded, global entity means operating under strict regulatory and ethical guidelines, including those related to data privacy (“privacy & cookies”), labor practices (“modern slavery & human trafficking”), and corporate governance (“environmental, social & governance”).
• Brand Synergy: The strong brand recognition of Boots in the UK directly translates to the online domain, leveraging decades of consumer trust. This synergy is evident in how the website integrates physical store services (like “Find a store” and “Boots optician sunglasses”) with online shopping.

Alglist.com Review & First Look