Bracco, Guerbet Reportedly Targeting Bayer Radiology Business

By Sanjit Dutt
Posted on 13 Dec 2016

Italian healthcare group Bracco S.p.A. (Milan, Italy) is reportedly working on a potential bid for the radiology supplies unit of Bayer AG (Leverkusen, Germany).

Since May this year, there have been reports that Bayer might be willing to part with its USD 3 billion radiology supplies unit comprising of radiological contrast agents and injection equipment that earns revenues of more than USD 1.7 billion. Bayer’s Gadavist for MR scans and Ultravist for CT are among its most widely used contrast agents, raking in over USD 300 million in 2015.

Image: Bayer is considering the sale of its radiology supplies unit, with Bracco and Guerbet among the interested buyers (Photo courtesy of Bayer).

Bracco is now reported to have entrusted an investment bank with the task of locating a partner for a possible joint offer for the unit valued at more than USD 4.3 billion. Meanwhile, Guerbet (Paris, France), a specialist in contrast agents and solutions for medical imaging, is apparently also in talks with potential partners to acquire Bayer’s radiology supplies business.

Bayer is yet to make a final decision on selling its radiology supplies unit. However, earlier this year, it had reportedly mandated Goldman Sachs (New York City, NY, USA) as a sell-side advisor and sent out information to prospective buyers. Bayer is also offering its radiology supplies business to interested private equity parties and the auction had been expected to start next year, according to reports.

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