Seizure of Control: This Month's Most Significant Acquisitions by Private Equity Firms
In the world of medical packaging, Gerresheimer, the German company, has been making headlines due to potential takeover discussions that began in early 2025. However, these talks have recently come to an end, with the company deciding that continuing negotiations was not in the best interest of the company or its stakeholders [1].
Initially, the main potential buyers were private equity firms, although no specific names were publicly disclosed. The activist shareholder Asset Value Investor had previously urged a sale of Gerresheimer’s moulded glass unit, a call that gained support from other major shareholders, suggesting possible interest in divesting parts of the company rather than a full takeover [2].
As Gerresheimer focuses on its growth strategy and a strategic review of its businesses, other players in the industry are making moves. For instance, private equity firms Warburg Pincus, EQT AB, and KKR are among those reportedly evaluating a takeover of Gerresheimer [3].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, monetization platform Zuora has been taken private by Silver Lake and GIC in an all-cash deal valued at $1.7bn [4]. The listed director of these entities shares a name with Michael Chang, BC Partners' New York-based co-head of healthcare, leading to speculation about BC Partners' potential involvement in the deal [5].
Elsewhere, the pet retail sector has been stirred by takeover rumours. Shares in Pets at Home soared 14 percent on February 26, fuelling speculation about a potential bid [6]. BC Partners, with Michael Chang's involvement, is mentioned as a possible suitor [7].
Another significant deal this year is KKR's buyout of Fuji Soft, Japan's largest take-private deal, valued at approximately $4.1bn [8]. The acquisition was pursued through an unconventional two-stage process [9].
Despite Gerresheimer's ended takeover talks, the company has stated it will carefully evaluate any proposals in the best interest of its stakeholders [1]. The future of the company remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the world of business continues to evolve, with takeovers and acquisitions shaping industries worldwide.
References:
- Gerresheimer ends takeover talks, focuses on growth strategy
- Gerresheimer moulded glass unit sale urged by activist shareholder
- Warburg Pincus, EQT AB, KKR among potential Gerresheimer buyers
- Silver Lake and GIC to acquire monetization platform Zuora for $1.7bn
- BC Partners' Michael Chang linked to Zuora acquisition
- Pets at Home shares soar on takeover speculation
- BC Partners mentioned as possible suitor for Pets at Home
- KKR's $4.1bn Fuji Soft buyout set to be Japan's largest take-private deal this year
- KKR pursues unconventional two-stage acquisition process for Fuji Soft
- The potential buyers for Gerresheimer initially included private equity firms, such as Warburg Pincus, EQT AB, and KKR, despite the company's decision to end takeover discussions.
- Asset Value Investor, an activist shareholder, had previously advocated for the sale of Gerresheimer’s moulded glass unit, which gained support from other major shareholders, indicating possible interest in divesting parts of the company.
- BC Partners, with Michael Chang as a key figure, has been mentioned as a possible suitor in separate takeover rumours involving the pet retail sector and Pets at Home.
- In a separate deal, the monetization platform Zuora was taken private by Silver Lake and GIC in an all-cash deal, with BC Partners' Michael Chang being linked to the acquisition.
- KKR, another private equity firm, completed a buyout of Fuji Soft, Japan's largest take-private deal this year, pursuing the acquisition through an unconventional two-stage process.
