Swiss contract development and manufacturing company PolyPeptide Group AG is attracting potential acquisition interest from several private equity firms, including EQT AB and KKR & Co, according to a Bloomberg News report citing unnamed people familiar with the discussions.

The reports indicate that other investors, including Advent International, have also been examining a possible buyout of the pharmaceutical services group, which specialises in peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients.

While discussions are still at an early stage and may not result in a transaction, the interest reflects continued private equity focus on healthcare manufacturing assets, particularly those with recurring demand profiles and exposure to long-term pharmaceutical outsourcing trends.

Any potential take-private deal could involve cooperation with billionaire controlling shareholder Frederik Paulsen Jr, according to the report, potentially easing execution of a transaction structure.

PolyPeptide’s shares have gained close to 20% so far this year, lifting its market capitalisation to around CHF 1bn (approximately $1.3bn), as investor sentiment improves alongside broader healthcare sector stability.

Market participants caution that deliberations remain ongoing and there is no certainty a deal will materialise. Both the firms involved and PolyPeptide have declined to comment publicly, with the company stating it remains focused on executing its current strategic plan.