...NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Feb. 14, 2018--S&P Global Ratings said today that its '###' corporate credit rating and stable outlook on Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) are not immediately affected by market reports that the company is in talks to acquire the remaining 74% ownership interest in AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC) it does not currently own. While not unexpected, it is uncertain if any transaction will occur to give WBA additional or complete ownership of ABC. Still, we would assume such a deal would involve a significant amount of debt as well as execution risks, coming on the heels of the on-going asset purchase transaction with Rite Aid Corp. Reasons we believe a transaction could occur include WBA's public intentions to seek opportunities in the health care markets through partnerships, equity investments, or an outright acquisition. The company has a track record of growth through the Alliance Boots acquisition, its increasing ownership interests in ABC, and the on-going...
