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McKesson, CD&R to take infusion therapy provider Option Care private in $5.8 billion deal - KELO-AM

Reported by Kelo ·Wsau ·Reuters +1 more
Oct 6, 2026· 2 min read
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Key Takeaways
  • • McKesson and Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) are nearing a deal to acquire Option Care Health, the largest national independent infusion therapy provider, in a transaction valued at $5.8 billion.
  • • Under the proposed structure, CD&R would acquire a 51% controlling stake in Option Care through a joint venture, while McKesson would hold the remaining 49% stake.
  • • Option Care Health's stock surged approximately 22% on the acquisition report, reflecting investor confidence in the valuation and strategic fit of the transaction.
  • • The acquisition represents a significant consolidation move in the infusion services sector, combining McKesson's distribution and healthcare infrastructure with CD&R's operational expertise and capital.
Summary
McKesson Corporation and private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice have entered advanced negotiations to acquire Option Care Health, the nation's largest independent infusion therapy provider, in a deal valuing the company at approximately $5.8 billion. The transaction structure calls for CD&R to take operational control via a 51% stake through a joint venture partnership, while McKesson retains a 49% ownership position.

Option Care Health provides comprehensive infusion therapy services to patients across multiple treatment settings, positioning it as a critical player in the expanding home and alternate-site infusion market. McKesson's ownership stake aligns with its broader healthcare services portfolio, which includes its Intrafusion offering—infusion management solutions designed to help multispecialty practices optimize infusion operations. The combination creates synergies between McKesson's pharmaceutical distribution reach and supply chain capabilities with Option Care's clinical service delivery infrastructure.

Market reaction to the acquisition report was swift and positive. Option Care Health's stock price jumped 22% following news of the pending transaction, indicating investor approval of the deal terms and strategic rationale. For CD&R, the acquisition represents a significant healthcare services investment that leverages the firm's operational improvement capabilities in the healthcare sector. The transaction is expected to close subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The deal underscores ongoing consolidation activity in specialty healthcare services as large distributors and healthcare platforms seek to expand into higher-margin, clinically differentiated service lines.

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Sources

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AlphaMaven summarised this story from the reporting below. Each link opens the original article.

Kelo McKesson, CD&R to take infusion therapy provider Option Care private in $5.8 billion deal - KELO-AM Wsau McKesson, CD&R to buy infusion therapy provider Option Care Health in $5.8 billion deal Reuters McKesson, CD&R to take infusion therapy provider Option Care private in $5.8 billion deal Bloomberg McKesson, CD&R to Buy Option Care in $5.8 Billion Deal