Kentucky-based Humana Inc. is in advanced discussions to buy acute care services company Kindred Healthcare Inc., The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The managed care company is planning the acquisition in partnership with private equity companies Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe and TPG. Under the deal, the two firms would receive Kindred's facility-focused unit, while both Humana and the private equity companies would get Kindred's home- and hospice-care business.
The acquisition would reportedly value Kentucky-based Kindred at $9 per share. The company's stock closed at $8.60 on Dec. 15.
Including debt, Kindred's enterprise value is at about $4 billion. The Journal said a deal could be announced soon, although it is still possible the talks will fall apart.
Meanwhile, Kindred Healthcare in July agreed to divest its skilled nursing facility business for $700 million.
