Fresenius, a company that operates hospitals and offers drugs, has begun selling initial businesses as part of its comprehensive restructuring. The DAX-listed group has announced its intention to sell its 70-percent stake in the Clinica Ricardo Palma Hospital in Lima, Peru's capital.
The buyers are previous shareholders and local investors, as Fresenius announced on Tuesday. The sale is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. Information about the sale price has not been disclosed. Fresenius CEO Michael Sen plans to focus on the Helios clinic chain and the Kabi pharmaceutical division during the health group's restructuring. The parent company Fresenius Medical Care and the clinic service provider Vamed will only be considered as financial investments.
Additionally, peripheral businesses are to be sold to reduce the corporation's high debt. Sen announced in the spring that Fresenius would part ways with "a few" businesses. There is also speculation that the fertility clinics of the Eugin Group and the health app specialist software provider Curalie are up for sale.
On Thursday, Fresenius will release its third quarter results. The company's shares temporarily gained 0.54 percent to 24.41 Euros on the XETRA.
The focus on the Helios hospital chain is part of Fresenius' strategy to concentrate on the growing demand in the healthcare sector. Helios already operates over 80 hospitals and has expanded its presence through the acquisition of Spanish competitor Quirónsalud. Kabi, the pharmaceutical division, benefits from an aging population and the increasing prescription of medications.
The sale of the Clinica Ricardo Palma hospital in Peru is another step by Fresenius to divest from businesses that don't belong to its core operations. The decision also reflects the focus on the domestic market and the reduction of operational risks. The Peruvian market has seen robust growth in recent years and offers attractive investment opportunities for local investors.
Fresenius shareholders welcome the company's decision to focus on core businesses and reduce potential risks. The company's share has remained stable over recent months and is expected to continue to be positively influenced by Fresenius' strategic decisions.
The company will continue to expand its business activities in the healthcare sector and focus on profitable and future-oriented areas. The publication of the third quarter figures will provide further insights into the company's financial situation and shareholders will eagerly await Fresenius' plans for the future.
