CVC Capital Partners is considering a bid to take European home security provider Verisure private, one year after Hellman & Friedman (H&F) floated the business in Stockholm at a €13.7bn valuation, according to Private Equity Wire. Verisure’s shares have fallen approximately 30% below their October 2025 IPO price, creating a potential acquisition opportunity for CVC, according to Private Equity Wire. The report cited by Private Equity Wire attributes the information to the Financial Times.
CVC interest described as preliminary
CVC’s interest in Verisure reportedly remains preliminary, with no certainty that a formal offer will emerge, according to Private Equity Wire. H&F remains the company’s largest shareholder, retaining a stake of around 44%.
Verisure profile and ownership history
Verisure is headquartered in Switzerland and provides residential security and alarm monitoring services. The business was established as part of Sweden’s Securitas group in 1988. Verisure was acquired by H&F and Bain Capital from EQT in 2011 for €2.3bn. H&F subsequently acquired Bain’s stake in 2015.
IPO performance and cited market backdrop
Private Equity Wire reported that the potential transaction highlights challenges facing private equity-backed IPOs, with higher interest rates and market volatility weighing on valuations and limiting exit opportunities. Private Equity Wire also reported that several recently listed portfolio companies have underperformed, including Cinven-backed travel marketplace HBX Group, whose shares have fallen from an IPO price of €11.50 to below €8.
Private Equity Wire further reported that EQT’s 2024 listing of pharmaceutical products company Galderma has been a notable exception, generating approximately $26bn in proceeds for its fund and co-investors following its exit this year.
Take-private activity cited in Europe
Private Equity Wire reported that private equity firms have increasingly targeted listed European businesses trading at discounted valuations. Recent transactions cited by Private Equity Wire include KKR’s £4.7bn acquisition of UK scientific instruments manufacturer Spectris and the £2.7bn take-private of fund services group JTC by Permira and CPP Investments.
As widely known context, take-privates typically involve private equity firms acquiring publicly listed companies and delisting them. As widely known context, listed equity prices can move significantly after an IPO, which can affect the attractiveness of potential acquisition proposals.
