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Germany: Shareholder raises hospital operator stake to block rival buyout

By  |  September 3, 2013

B. Braun, which owns shares in Germany-based hospital operator Rhoen-Klinikum is upping its stake in Rhoen to 25 percent in efforts to prevent a buyout of Rhoen by B. Braun rival Fresenius.

The move closely follows last year’s efforts, which saw B. Braun acquire five percent in Rhoen to prevent Fresenius’s agenda of becoming the nation’s largest private hospital operator. B. Braun and Fresenius are rivals in the healthcare equipment market.

Both B. Braun and hospital operator Asklepios – which also holds shares in Rhoen – were reportedly concerned that a buyout by Fresenius would reduce competition in the market. In a statement released Tuesday, B. Braun said it “remains committed to sustainably secure the minority shareholding position” in Rhoen.

The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval.

Full Content: Reuters

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