Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) shares have tumbled further into the red in Thursday's lunchtime trade.
At the time of writing, the ASX healthcare company's shares are down around 2% to $2.72 a piece.
The shares have now fallen just over 7% since Tuesday, shedding gains made over the past couple of months.
Sigma Healthcare shares are down around 8% year to date. They're now roughly 14% below their trading level this time last year.
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Why are Sigma Healthcare shares in the spotlight?
There isn't any company-specific price-sensitive news out of Sigma Healthcare this week to explain the share price slump.
It looks like investors are selling off their shares on the back of news that the Chemist Warehouse owner is in preliminary talks to buy the major UK health, beauty, and pharmacy retail chain, Boots.
Yesterday, there were reports that the company has entered into preliminary talks to buy the UK's largest independent pharmaceutical chain as part of its plan to move overseas.
According to reports in the Financial Times, Boots owner Sycamore Partners has been approached by several different retailers to take control of the business.
Sigma is understood to be among the interested partners. Along with Canada's supermarket chain Loblaws and pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart.
In a note to the ASX, the company responded to media speculation. It also confirmed it is in preliminary talks with Boots. It said:
Sigma Healthcare Limited (Sigma) refers to the recent media speculation regarding the sale process of The Boots Group (Boots). Sigma continuously reviews opportunities that would create value for shareholders and has engaged in preliminary discussions in relation to the sale process. There is no certainty that any transaction will eventuate.
Clearly, investors aren't thrilled with the media speculation. The share price closed over 5% lower for the day after the announcement, and investors have continued selling today.
Why are investors concerned?
It isn't entirely clear. But I'd speculate that the sell-off doesn't necessarily mean investors aren't happy about a potential acquisition. It's more likely that investors are concerned about potential execution risk, deal size, and timing.
Boots is currently valued at around AU$14 billion.
Keeping in mind that Sigma Healthcare completed its merger with Chemist Warehouse in early 2025. The combined business controls nearly 1,000 stores and has a valuation exceeding $30 billion.
Generally, investors expect businesses to fully integrate after a major acquisition before considering another major transaction.
What's the outlook for Sigma Healthcare shares?
According to Market Index data, brokers remain bullish on the outlook for the shares over the next 12 months.
Data updated today, 11th of June, shows the majority (six out of seven) have a buy rating on the stock. They tip a potential 20% upside to an average target price of $3.26, at the time of writing.
