Walgreens Boots Alliance announces sale of Alliance Healthcare Russia

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. this week announced the sale of Alliance Healthcare Russia to the Russian retailer 36.6.

The Russian health and beauty group purchased the wholesale pharmaceutical business, Alliance Healthcare Russia. As part of the sale, Walgreens Boots Alliance will own 15 percent of 36.6.

With approximately 1,000 stores in and around Moscow, 36.6 employs approximately 4,800 people. It is listed on the Moscow Exchange. The company's shares add to the Walgreen Boots Alliance's increasing global portfolio, which includes health and beauty products as well as prescription drugs. Among the brands in its portfolio are Duane Reed, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. was formed in December 2014, when Walgreens and Alliance Boots combined. The company is now the largest pharmacy-led health and wellbeing retailer in the U.S. and Europe. It employs more than 370,000 people in its 13,100 stores, located in 11 countries, and 350 distribution centers. The pharmaceutical distribution network extends across 19 countries, with deliveries to more than 200,000 pharmacies, hospitals and other health providers. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. is listed on Nasdaq.