Stada is conducting preliminary talks about a potential acquisition of Cooper Consumer Health from its private equity backers, according to people familiar with the matter. Those discussions have included consideration of a price tag near €6 billion, or about $6.8 billion.
Cooper Consumer Health is majority owned by CVC Capital Partners and manufactures personal care and essential health products under brands such as Baccide, Dermafresh and Salviagalen. The company's portfolio focuses on consumer-facing health and wellbeing items.
Stada itself is owned by CapVest Partners. Company leadership has previously indicated that Stada has the financial capacity to pursue acquisitions in the consumer health segment. In March, Chief Executive Officer Peter Goldschmidt said Stada could pursue "meaningful acquisitions" and that the company was flexible about geography and deal size.
People familiar with the matter say the talks are at an early stage and that there is no certainty a transaction will be completed. The deliberations remain ongoing, and Stada may ultimately decide not to proceed. The same sources noted that Cooper could draw interest from other private equity firms as well.
Because the discussions are preliminary, details beyond the potential valuation and the ownership structure of the companies involved have not been confirmed. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome contingent on whether Stada decides to move forward and whether other parties enter the process.
The prospective deal would involve stakeholders across the consumer health and private equity sectors. Any transaction would depend on further negotiations and decisions by the companies and owners involved.
Clear summary
Stada has held initial talks to acquire Cooper Consumer Health from its private equity owners, with a possible valuation near €6 billion. Cooper is majority owned by CVC Capital Partners, and Stada is owned by CapVest Partners. CEO Peter Goldschmidt has said Stada has the capacity to pursue meaningful consumer health acquisitions, but the discussions are preliminary and may not result in a deal.
Key points
- Stada has explored a potential purchase of Cooper Consumer Health, with preliminary valuation around €6 billion ($6.8 billion).
- Cooper is majority owned by CVC Capital Partners and makes personal care and essential health products, including brands Baccide, Dermafresh and Salviagalen.
- Stada, owned by CapVest Partners, has indicated it has the means to pursue significant consumer health acquisitions, but deliberations are ongoing and outcomes are uncertain.
Risks and uncertainties
- Deliberations are at an early stage and there is no certainty Stada will proceed with a transaction - this affects the consumer health and M&A sectors.
- Cooper may attract interest from other private equity firms, which could influence the competitive dynamics and potential deal terms in private equity and consumer health markets.