Spire Healthcare has confirmed that private equity firms, Bridgepoint and Triton, are among the parties in discussions to acquire the private hospital provider.

The FTSE 250 firm said in September 2025 that after implementing strategic and efficiency initiatives, it was to launch a strategic review with its lead financial adviser, Rothschild & Co.

As part of this review, Spire announced it was to hold discussions in relation to a number of options, including but not limited to, a potential sale of the company.

The healthcare firm said that its discussions with Bridgepoint and Triton remain in a preliminary stage, and there can be no certainty that any offer will be made.

Under takeover rules, the private equity firms have until 21 February to announce a firm intention to make an offer for the company.

Following the announcement, shares in Spire jumped by 19%.

Investment director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould, said that the healthcare provider had flushed out some interest from Bridgepoint and Triton and that while "the clock is ticking" on a potential deal, there is scope for an extension.

He added: "A previous takeover deal for Spire back in 2021 – which would have seen Ramsay Health Care take the company over in a £1bn deal – fell apart despite being recommended by the board, thanks to opposition from major shareholders.

"If the speculated £1.5bn price tag in this latest sale process is right then it looks like that opposition was warranted, although this might be optimistic given where the share price is languishing right now. The more recent shareholder pressure to launch a review of the business reflects the stock’s miserable performance and investors may welcome the opportunity to check out of Spire should it arise."

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