Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the US and Alliance Boots, who has pharmacy-based retailing and pharmaceutical wholesaling operations in over 25 countries, have announced a new strategic partnership that will see Walgreens initially acquire a 45% stake in Alliance Boots. As well as operating a worldwide network of over 11,000 stores, the partnership will create a pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution network with more than 370 distribution centres serving healthcare providers in 21 countries.