Boots signs deal to sell Mothercare clothes

A range of children's clothing and accessories is to be sold in Boots after the pharmacy chain signed a strategic partnership with mother and baby retailer Mothercare. The two already have an agreement through which Boots sells toys from the Early Learning Centre, the chain bought by Mothercare in June 2007 for £85m. Ben Gordon, Mothercare's chief executive, said: "We are delighted with this latest addition to our existing successful partnership with Boots. We expect this agreement to be a substantial development in our recently announced wholesale strategy. Work has already commenced on what will be a distinctive and quality product range for customers." Gordon has big ambitions for the mother and baby chain. Last year he outlined plans to open 12 sites with landmark stores inside major shopping centres. Alliance Boots, which is owned by private equity group KKR, said it hoped the arrangement would help expand its business. Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health and beauty division at Alliance Boots, said: "We believe this move will further strengthen our baby and child range and build on our reputation for offering great value children's wear. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to developing strategic partnerships to grow and expand our business."