Karo Healthcare to Embark on a New Journey with KKR's Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 09, 2025 | EQT
The leading European consumer healthcare company, Karo Healthcare, is being sold by EQT to KKR. Under EQT's stewardship, Karo transformed from a Nordic specialty pharmaceutical business into a pan-European consumer health platform. The company's growth was fueled by eight strategic acquisitions, development of digital capabilities, and diversification into several health categories, including Skin Health and Intimate Health. Christoffer Lorenzen, Karo's CEO, expressed pride in Karo's progress and optimism about KKR's future support in continuing growth and innovation. KKR plans to leverage its global network to further enhance Karo's brand and market expansion. The transaction closure is pending customary regulations. Advisors involved in the deal included Morgan Stanley and Citigroup.
Sectors
- Consumer Healthcare
- Private Equity
- Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- Europe – Karo Healthcare has a pan-European presence, being headquartered in Stockholm and serving multiple European markets.
Industry
- Consumer Healthcare – Karo Healthcare operates within the consumer healthcare industry, offering products across various health categories to consumers.
- Private Equity – Both EQT and KKR are involved in private equity, managing investments in companies like Karo Healthcare to drive growth and value creation.
- Pharmaceuticals – Karo Healthcare originated as a Nordic specialty pharmaceutical company before transitioning to focus on consumer health.
Financials
- EUR 269 billion – Total assets under management by EQT.
- EUR 136 billion – EQT's fee-generating assets under management.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karo Healthcare | Target Company | Company | A leading European consumer healthcare company with a diversified product portfolio. |
| EQT | Selling Company | Company | A global investment organization that owned Karo Healthcare before selling it to KKR. |
| KKR | Bidding Company | Company | A global investment firm acquiring Karo Healthcare to continue its growth and market expansion. |
| Morgan Stanley | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided advisory services to EQT during the transaction. |
| Citigroup | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to KKR for the acquisition of Karo Healthcare. |
| Christoffer Lorenzen | CEO | Person | Chief Executive Officer of Karo Healthcare, leading its strategic growth under EQT's ownership. |