Boots is preparing to return £300m to shareholders as part of a shares buy-back programme.

The proposal, which represents more than five per cent of the company's share capital, will add to the £1.3bn already returned to investors since 1994.

Chief executive Steve Russell said the payments would not jeopardise changes being carried out by the group: "This is just one way in which we are aiming to enhance value for shareholders."

Boots said its balance sheet had been strengthened by changes to its pension fund investment strategy after switching from equities to bonds.

The shares buy-back comes during a period of change for the firm as it trials a number of store formats and looks to accelerate the growth of its international businesses.