CapVest has struck a deal to acquire a controlling stake in German pharmaceutical firm Stada Arzneimittel AG, in a transaction that values the company at approximately €10 billion ($11.7 billion), according to people familiar with the matter.
The private equity firm is purchasing the stake from current owners Bain Capital and Cinven, who have held majority control of Stada since 2017. Although the financial terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, sources with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the valuation.
This significant move brings to a halt Stada’s earlier ambitions to go public. A company spokesperson confirmed that the planned initial public offering (IPO), originally intended for this year, has now been shelved as a direct result of the sale.
Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Bad Vilbel, Germany, Stada is known for its portfolio of generic and over-the-counter drugs. The company has seen strong growth in recent years under private equity ownership, benefiting from strategic acquisitions and expansion into emerging markets.
CapVest’s acquisition signals continued confidence in the healthcare sector, particularly in pharmaceutical companies with global reach and stable cash flows. The deal is also seen as a long-term bet on consumer health and generics, areas in which Stada holds a strong position.
For Bain Capital and Cinven, the sale marks a major exit from one of Europe’s leading mid-sized pharmaceutical firms. Both private equity groups had previously explored options to float the company via an IPO, but shifting market conditions and strategic considerations appear to have made a direct sale the more attractive path.
The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the coming months. Once finalized, CapVest will assume majority control and likely guide Stada’s next phase of growth.
The deal further underlines a trend in private equity, where firms are choosing strategic sales over public listings amid volatile market conditions. It also underscores the increasing appetite for investments in the healthcare sector, particularly in companies with established international footprints and robust pipelines.
With this acquisition, CapVest adds another prominent name to its portfolio, positioning itself as a key player in the European healthcare investment landscape.
