It's been slow, but the private equity folks are starting to warm up to dealmaking. In fact, a key deal came last week as Nordic Capital Fund VII and Avista Capital Partners agreed to plunk down $4.1 billion for ConvaTec, a division of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY).
ConvaTec, which focuses on wound care, has been a star performer over the years. What's more, the deal will allow Bristol-Myers to devote its resources to its core pharma business, which certainly has some challenges – especially as drugs come off patent.
In addition, the deal has a global flavor as Nordic Capital is in Europe and Avista in the US.
It also looks like Bristol-Myers is not finished with its own dealmaking. For example, the company says it plans to launch a public offering of its Mead Johnson division.
What this really looks like, however, is that all these actions, for the most part, may just be a prelude for Bristol-Myers to sell itself to a mega pharma company.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
Comfort Zone Investing: The unmighty dollar
Five winners of a weak dollar
For a quick-read on the U.S. economy, check the price of gasoline
