THE WHAT? It’s full steam ahead for Douglas as it prepares to list. The German pharmacy chain is said to have selected a series of banking partners as global coordinators for its planned IPO.

THE DETAILS Reuters, quoting sources familiar with the matter, reports that Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Unicredit and UBS have been appointed by the CVC Capital Partners-owned retailer. The IPO is expected to take place early next year.

THE WHY? While Douglas declined to comment when contacted by Reuters, the news agency’s sources have the pharmacy’s value pegged at €7 billion; the initial listing could raise a considerable sum.