News has learned that Canada’s Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and the private equity firm PAI Partners hold Veonet. Sebastian James will take over as group chief executive of Veonet.
As News reported on Saturday, he will be leaving Boots in November and joining Veonet shortly after, according to insiders.
The current owners of Veonet bought the company in early 2022 from Nordic Capital, a different buyout firm.
Veonet is the owner of SpaMedica in the UK, which provides the NHS with eye procedures like cataract extractions.
In total, the business serves over two million patients with eye care services each year in five European regions, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The CEO of Veonet at the moment, Dr. Markus Hamm, is retiring but will still serve on the board.
Following Walgreens Boots Alliance’s decision to shelve plans to sell or float the pharmacy chain for a second time in two years, Mr. James is departing from Boots.
His leaving will occur in the year of the retailer’s 175th anniversary.
It is anticipated that an announcement on his departure from Boots and appointment to Veonet will be made early this week.
Both PAI and OTPP declined to comment, and Veonet could not be reached for comment.