A public company is one that has sold a portion of its ownership to the public through an initial public offering (IPO) of stock, meaning anyone can buy shares. Going private means a company's ownership reverts to a few private individuals or investors, and its shares no longer trade on public exchanges. Walgreens, founded in 1901, has been a public company since 1927. - Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to be acquired by Sycamore Partners for approximately $10 billion. - The acquisition will end Walgreens' nearly century-long presence on public markets. - Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in retail and consumer investments. - Walgreens has faced challenges including thin prescription reimbursement, rising costs, theft, and inflation-sensitive shoppers.