Kedrion Biopharma is exploring a debt financing of around €2bn that could be used in part to fund a dividend payment to its shareholders, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.
The Italian blood plasma therapies specialist has been in discussions with private credit lenders over potential financing, the people said, asking not to be identified because the talks are private.
A transaction has not been finalised and Kedrion could ultimately decide against raising the debt.
Kedrion was acquired by Permira and a group of co-investors, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, in 2022. A new financing would come as private credit managers and other lenders compete for opportunities to deploy capital amid a relatively subdued mergers and acquisitions market.
The potential transaction illustrates how private equity-backed companies are continuing to explore debt markets not only to support acquisitions and growth but also to return capital to their owners.
Permira declined to comment, while Kedrion did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Based in Italy, Kedrion develops plasma-derived therapies and generates more than €1.5bn in revenue globally, according to Permira.
