Boots store closure claims 'nonsensical'

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The GMB union has written to health secretary Patricia Hewitt seeking assurances that ministers will do all they can to prevent any closures.

General secretary Paul Kenny said: "I am writing to draw to your attention the concerns of GMB members, particularly those in outlying areas, that if the £10 billion private equity deal for Boots goes ahead the company will be loaded with debt and will be forced to close stores."

A spokesman for private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Alliance Boots' own deputy chairman, Stefano Pessina, said: "I can categorically state that community pharmacies are the backbone of our business and we have no intention of closing any.

"To suggest that 130 are at risk is nonsensical. In the hypothetical situation that we should own the business, management will of course sit down with the unions, but we can assure all stakeholders, as we said in our initial approach, our plans involve growing the business and the brand.

"Both KKR and Mr Pessina have strong track records as long-term investors.

"Our plans involve investing for growth, to build the brand out on a global basis." KKR and Mr Pessina are expected to table an offer for the business in the next few days.

Mr Pessina currently owns a 15 per cent stake in Alliance Boots.