American investment firm KKR & Co. is exploring a possible acquisition of GPI SpA, an Italian company that specialises in healthcare-related technology and services. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources close to the matter, KKR has been in discussions with financial advisers in recent weeks about the possibility of taking the company private, which means buying up enough shares to remove it from the Milan stock exchange and make it privately held.
GPI is known for providing digital solutions to hospitals, pharmacies, and public health systems. Its services include everything from managing patient records and data systems to supporting logistics in blood banks and health laboratories. With increasing interest in digital transformation across Europe’s healthcare systems, the company has been gaining investor attention.
GPI’s shares have performed well this year, rising about 24% on the Milan exchange. That increase puts the company’s current market value at approximately €377 million, or around $438 million in U.S. dollars. This makes it a mid-sized but attractive target for a private equity firm like KKR, which often looks for companies with growth potential in essential service sectors.
The largest shareholder in GPI is an investment vehicle controlled by CEO Fausto Manzana. This entity holds a 48% stake in the company, which means any deal would likely require the support of Manzana and his affiliates. Manzana has led the company through years of expansion and digitisation, so his cooperation would be crucial in any transaction.
It’s important to note that these discussions are still in the early stages, and no final decision has been made. The sources caution that there’s no guarantee a deal will happen. Talks could fall apart or lead to a different form of partnership rather than a full acquisition.
If the deal does move forward, it would represent yet another step by KKR to expand its European footprint, especially in sectors like healthcare and technology, which have become increasingly important post-pandemic. It would also reflect a broader trend among private equity firms that are targeting smaller, fast-growing European companies to take private, restructure, and potentially relist or sell down the line.
For now, investors and industry watchers will be paying close attention to whether these quiet conversations turn into a concrete takeover bid.