Health insurance giant Bupa is reportedly considering a bid to acquire British dentistry chain Oasis Healthcare.
The insurer has held preliminary talks with Oasis Healthcare’s management and shareholders,
Sky News reported, though the discussions are still at a “very early stage.”
Oasis is estimated to be valued at £500 million and its sale to Bupa would create a private sector powerhouse, the report noted.
A spokesman for Oasis called the reported business sale “speculation” and refused to comment further. Bupa also declined to make a statement.
“Oasis is the UK’s number one provider of private dental care and continues to be highly successful,” the spokesman told
Sky News.
“It’s business as usual as far as the company is concerned and we don’t comment on speculation.”
According to
Sky News, Bupa mostly earns from health insurance, but it also operates over 600 dental clinics, hospitals, care homes and retirement villages.
The potential deal with Oasis follows major leadership changes at Bupa earlier this year. In July, the insurer confirmed the appointments of Evelyn Bourke and Joy Linton as CEO and CFO respectively.
In September, the company appointed David Hynam as the new managing director of Bupa UK. The insurer also named Sheldon Kenton as the new managing director of its international arm.
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Bupa Global appoints new managing director
Bupa shuffles leaders in UK, overseas units
