Sycamore Partners is in talks to acquire struggling drugstore chain Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., according to people familiar with the matter. Most Read from BloombergBrace for a Nationwide Shuffle of Corporate HeadquartersCloud Computing Tax Threatens Chicago’s Silicon Valley DreamA Chicago Skyscraper Cements the Legacy of a Visionary Postmodern ArchitectSan Francisco,

The Deerfield-based pharmacy chain is in talks with Sycamore Partners about a deal that could be done early next year to take it private, the Wall Street Journal reports. Walgreens shares jumped nearly 18% on the news.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is in talks to sell itself to private equity firm Sycamore Partners, according to a person familiar with the matter, the latest attempt by the pharmacy chain operator to go private after a sharp slump in share value.