What is the sentiment of this news? Please choose an answer from {strong negative/moderately negative/mildly negative/neutral/mildly positive/moderately positive/strong positive}.

It's proved tough to sell one of the staples of Britain's beleaguered High Street, tough as old Boots. Public ‘buyers' are now reportedly sought, practically as buyers of last resort, after private equity takeover talks broke down, with an IPO potentially eyed to bring back the soap-n-smellies retailer to the stock market.
moderately negative