Seize Control on Thursday: The Most Significant Acquisitions by Private Equity Firms
In the world of business, two significant acquisitions are making headlines.
Firstly, Sycamore Partners is reportedly finalizing a deal to acquire Walgreens Boots Alliance for approximately $10 billion. This potential acquisition, if announced, would take Walgreens private and send its shares surging as much as 8.2%, closing at $10.84-up 5% for the day.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, KKR & Co. is part of a consortium in advanced discussions to acquire Gerresheimer AG, a German packaging firm that is a key supplier of packaging solutions for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, the deal for Gerresheimer could still fall apart, as the Warburg Pincus-KKR consortium is not planning to offer a significant premium to Gerresheimer's current valuation. Shares of Gerresheimer AG have risen 11% this year, reflecting the market's anticipation of a potential sale.
The acquisition discussions with private equity investors, including KKR, regarding Gerresheimer AG were terminated as of mid-July 2025. The company decided to focus on implementing its growth strategy, particularly projects related to pharmaceutical systems and solutions for biologics, and accelerate a strategic review of its Moulded Glass business. An updated strategy outlook is expected to be provided at Gerresheimer's Capital Market Day scheduled for October 15, 2025.
Assura, a UK-based company with more than 600 buildings including doctors' surgeries, has been a target of multiple acquisition attempts in recent months. KKR's latest bid for Assura surpasses its previous offer of 48p per share in February, which valued the company at £1.56bn.
The acquisition of Walgreens by Sycamore Partners, if it goes through, could be announced as soon as this week. The offer for Walgreens ranges between $11.30 and $11.40 per share in cash, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
In summary, the potential buyers for Gerresheimer AG earlier in 2025 included a private equity consortium, with global private equity firm KKR involved initially in the bidding group. However, the acquisition discussions were terminated, and the focus has shifted to strategic growth and internal restructuring for Gerresheimer. The future outlook for the company includes a strategy update and possible divestment of the Moulded Glass division later in 2025.
As for Walgreens, the potential takeover bid by Sycamore Partners is valued at around $10 billion, and the acquisition could significantly reshape the pharmacy retail landscape.
- Sycamore Partners' reported acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance, valued at around $10 billion, is poised to take Walgreens private, potentially sending shares surging.
- In Europe, KKR & Co. was initially part of a consortium in negotiations to acquire Gerresheimer AG, but discussions were terminated, shifting focus to growth and internal restructuring.
- KKR's recent bid for Assura, a UK-based company, surpasses its previous offer of 48p per share, valuing the company at approximately £1.56bn.
- The acquisition of Walgreens, if it goes through, could significantly reshape the pharmacy retail landscape and possibly be announced by this week.
- The global private equity firm KKR was initially involved in the consortium for Gerresheimer AG, demonstrating KKR's continued activity in investing and finance sectors.
- Gerresheimer AG's future outlook includes a strategy update and possible divestment of the Moulded Glass division, following the termination of acquisition discussions with private equity investors.
