Private Equity Groups Make $30B Investment in Medline

NORTHFIELD, Ill. (June 7, 2021)—Medline Industries, Inc., a privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care supplies with 2020 revenue of $17.5 billion, has entered into a definitive agreement through which it will receive a majority investment from a partnership comprised of funds managed by Blackstone, Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman. Those close to the deal value it at $30 billion, including debt.

Following the close of the transaction, Medline will remain a privately held, family-led company.

Medline will continue to be led by the Mills family, who will remain the largest single shareholder. The entire senior management team will stay in place. The company plans to use the new resources from the partnership to expand its product offerings, accelerate international expansion and continue to make new infrastructure investments to strengthen its global supply chain.

“Making health care run better has been our focus for decades. This investment from some of the world’s most experienced and successful private investment firms will enable us to accelerate that strategy while preserving the family-led culture that is core to our success,” said Charlie Mills, chief executive officer of Medline.

Medline partners with health care providers around the world, delivering products and solutions that reduce costs, increase supply chain efficiency, and improve the quality of care. The breadth of the company’s product portfolio and its dedication to customer service, responsiveness and partnership provide significant value for its customers.

Joe Baratta, global head of private equity at Blackstone, said, “The Mills family has built an exceptional business, and we are proud to partner with them and Medline’s management to support the company’s continued strong growth. Large corporate partnerships with family-led companies are an area where we have deep experience, and we look forward to investing in Medline’s further expansion.”

Steve Wise, Carlyle’s global head of health care, said, “We are excited to partner with Medline’s impressive management team to accelerate growth through continued execution, innovation and investment. With a deep commitment to sustainable value creation, we look forward to leveraging our combined operational capabilities, expansive health care network and capital to support organic and inorganic growth initiatives for the company.”

Allen Thorpe, partner at Hellman & Friedman said, “Medline is known for its unwavering commitment to its customers, providing high-quality medical products that are used to treat patients every day. We are excited to support that commitment and partner with Medline to continue bringing the broadest and deepest capabilities to the health care industry.”

GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, is also investing as part of the partnership.

Transaction Details
The investment is expected to be completed in late 2021 and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as lead financial advisor, BDT & Company, LLC acted as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor to Medline. BoA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and Centerview Partners are acting as financial advisors to Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisor to Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman.

Visit medline.com for more information.