CVC Capital Partners, the majority shareholder of Italy's pharmaceutical group Recordati, has reportedly initiated discussions with other Italian drugmakers regarding a potential sale, according to a report by Reuters citing Sergio Dompe, CEO of rival firm Dompé Farmaceutica.

The report quotes Dompe as telling Reuters on Tuesday that: “We are aware that there has been contact with other Italian pharmaceutical groups,” while clarifying that Dompé Farmaceutica is not interested in pursuing a deal.

Speculation about Recordati’s future intensified earlier this year after CVC, which owns a 51.8% stake, enlisted JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to explore strategic options for the drugmaker.

“Recordati is a well-performing, listed company, and its majority shareholder has done an excellent job,” Dompe said. “However, if opportunities arise, the fund will evaluate them.”

Previous reports suggested that Angelini Pharma might be a potential buyer for CVC’s stake. While Angelini declined to comment specifically on Recordati, the company noted in a statement that it “always considers market opportunities.”

CVC and Recordati representatives did not respond to requests for comment.