Alliance Boots has just confirmed that it has received an approach from an unnamed company which may lead to an offer for the pharmacy chain.
"Alliance Boots confirms that a preliminary and highly conditional approach regarding a possible offer for the company has been received. There can, however, be no certainty that any offer for the company will be made," said the company in a statement to the London Stock Exchange.
Shares in the company soared 4.9% prior to the announcement as rumours of a high bid swept across the city.