Aster's India Unit Draws Bidders' Attention, Valuing Biz at $1.5 Bn

However, reports also state that the prospective acquirers could decide to collaborate, and various deal scenarios are being considered, including a full takeover of the company.

Global healthcare company, Aster DM Healthcare has garnered the attention of potential investors for its India unit, with an approximate valuation of $1.9 billion.

Reportedly, BPEA EQT and OTPP have expressed preliminary interest in the deal while other potential bidders include Blackstone Inc. and KKR & Co.

However, reports also state that the prospective acquirers could decide to collaborate, and various deal scenarios are being considered, including a full takeover of the company.

Sources suggest that a comprehensive deal for the entirety of Aster could value more than $2.5 billion. Further, Aster's Gulf assets are estimated to be worth approximately $1 billion, while the Indian business could be valued at around $1.5 billion in a potential transaction.

The healthcare company saw a remarkable 40% year-to-date increase in its shares, taking the hospital chain operator's valuation to about $1.9 billion. Acquiring Aster would offer investors an opportunity to capitalise on growth potential within India's healthcare services sector.

Founded in 1987 from a single clinic in Dubai, Aster DM Healthcare is a publicly traded multinational healthcare company. It provides an array of healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare consultancy services.

Currently, Aster operates 33 hospitals as well as hundreds of clinics and pharmacies across India and the Gulf region.

Last year, EQT AB acquired Hong Kong-based BPEA in the biggest takeover in the private equity sector. The deal combined the two firms' Asia private equity teams to create BPEA EQT. Further, they also agreed to buy a 60% stake in Indira IVF, the largest provider of fertility services in India.

While, recently, KKR has sold its entire investment in the hospital chain Max Healthcare for a near five-fold payback in two and a half years. They have also closed a $4.0 billion healthcare strategic growth fund II.

In another similar development, Manipal Hospitals acquired an 84% stake in four hospitals owned by Emami Group under the brand name AMRI. This acquisition includes three hospitals in Kolkata and one in Bhubaneswar, estimated to be worth around INR 2,3000 Cr. This strategic deal aims to expand its operations in the country's eastern regions.

Likewise, Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), a healthcare delivery platform acquired a majority stake in the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) for an undisclosed amount. This move sought to position AHH as the country's largest single-specialty healthcare delivery platform.