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Remgro Limited, the South African investment holding company chaired and controlled by billionaire Johann Rupert, is preparing to take full control of Mediclinic’s operations at home as part of a proposed restructuring with its partner, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. The move would split ownership of the private hospital group along geographic lines.
Reshaping a major health-care asset
Remgro and MSC bought Mediclinic in 2023 in a deal valued at about R75 billion ($4.4 billion). The companies currently share ownership through Investment Holding Limited S.à r.l. (IHL), an MSC subsidiary. They are now working on a plan to separate their interests in a way that reflects their respective markets.
Under the proposal, Remgro would assume full ownership of Mediclinic Southern Africa. IHL would take control of Hirslanden, the Switzerland-based Mediclinic network. Both companies would remain joint shareholders in the group’s Middle East operations, including Spire Healthcare Group plc.
Executives from both sides said a cleaner structure would strengthen decision-making and improve their ability to respond to conditions in each market. They noted that having local partners lead in regions where they have deeper relationships with patients, clinicians and regulators would support steady growth and allow for tighter oversight.
Focus on local strengths and long-term investment
Remgro and IHL said they remain committed to the private health-care sector and plan to keep investing over the long term. They added that their joint operations in the Middle East will continue, calling the region a key market with further opportunities for expansion.
They also said employees across Mediclinic’s network were a key consideration in the discussions. The companies noted that the potential transaction would be structured to ensure stability for staff and continuity of care for patients.
Rupert’s billion-dollar grip shapes Remgro
Remgro’s roots stretch back to the 1940s, when it was founded by Rupert’s father, Anton. The company has since grown into one of South Africa’s largest investment groups, with interests spanning consumer goods, health care, insurance, industrials, infrastructure, media and sports.
Rupert, with a $19.1 billion fortune, holds more than 40 percent of Remgro’s voting rights. In August, Remgro also secured Competition Commission approval for eMedia Holdings to take full control of eMedia Investments, adding to a year of major corporate activity for the group.
