Alliance Boots has reiterated its ambitions to become a global brand as the health and beauty retailer celebrates its 160th anniversary.

The retailer, which began a campaign in September to celebrate its heritage, has this year opened stores in Thailand as well as the new Boots apotek format in Norway and The Netherlands.

In the UK Boots has this year begun the first phase of its partnership with Waitrose, with 13 pharmacies trading in Waitrose stores.

Alliance Boots has also tied up with cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support in what it calls an “ambitious” and “innovative” partnership. The retailer will offer a “new level” of healthcare support to people living with cancer.

AllianceBoots executive chairman Stefano Pessina said:“We are delighted to be celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Boots brand and we look forward to continuing to build Boots as a global brand in the coming years.”

Boots opened its first store in Nottingham in 1849.