David Di Pilla’s HMC Capital interested in taking over Healthscope hospitals
The owner of 11 Healthscope hospitals says it has been approached by parties — including a consortium led by David Di Pilla’s asset manager HMC Capital — interested in taking over the facilities from US private equity giant Brookfield.
The HMC-managed real estate group HealthCo and its unlisted healthcare fund on Friday said it had been approached by “capable and qualified” parties to potentially tenant its hospitals leased to Healthscope.
“In the event that Healthscope were to breach its lease obligations, HCW would seek to replace Healthscope’s tenancies with other hospital operators,” it said.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“(HealthCo) understands that HMC is in discussions with a broad group of key stakeholders as part of the consortium. (HealthCo) will consider all proposals.”
The future of Healthscope — Australia’s second-biggest private hospital operator — hangs in the balance as it wrestles with a $1.6 billion debt. Healthscope was given until March to renegotiate with its lenders.
HMC Capital real estate managing director Sid Sharma said it was pleased with the inbound interest from potential tenants eager to ensure continuity of essential healthcare services to Australians.
“We recognise that the HCW unit price has continued to be impacted by speculation about Healthscope and have proactively prepared for a number of potential scenarios that could play out in the short term,” he said.
HealthCo’s share price has fallen to 98¢ from over $2 when it listed in September 2021.
It comes a day after Healthscope had tapped former Qantas international boss Tino La Spina to take the top job, replacing Greg Horan.
