Financial writer's analysis on the potential sale of Walgreens to Sycamore Partners, highlighting challenges with debt and lack of strategic suitors.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) shares soared Tuesday afternoon on a report that the struggling pharmacy chain is in talks to sell itself to Sycamore Partners. The Wall Street Journal reported that Walgreens and the private equity firm "have been discussing a deal that could be completed early next year,

Following the report, shares of the pharmacy giant jumped 18%, the largest one-day boost in Walgreens' history.

The New York-based private equity firm has been having ongoing discussions about a deal to take Walgreens private, according to people familiar with the matter.