The private equity firm plans to list the business or find a buyer during the first half of the year, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The business, which includes about a dozen hospitals and clinics in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, is worth as much as $500 million, the people said. No final decisions have been taken and Abraaj may opt to retain the business, they said. Private equity investors are taking advantage of a surge in demand for healthcare products and services in Africa and the Middle East, where government funding for the sector has been inadequate. Abraaj sold a stake in Cleopatra Hospital Co. in 2016 through a listing on the Egyptian stock exchange.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 16, 2018 05:15 UTC