South African billionaire, Rupert acquires international hospital group in strategic move

The plan, announced by Rupert’s investment holding company Remgro and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), would see Remgro acquire full ownership of Mediclinic’s Southern African operations, while MSC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Investment Holding Limited S.à r.l. (IHL), takes full control of the Switzerland-based Hirslanden operations.

Mediclinic, founded in 1983 under the Rembrandt Group (now Remgro), has grown from a handful of hospitals in South Africa to a global network spanning Southern Africa, Switzerland, and the Middle East.

Mediclinic Southern Africa is the region’s third-largest private healthcare provider, with 50 hospitals, 8,991 beds, and over 21,400 employees. Most facilities are acute, general hospitals offering specialist-led care by independent practitioners.

According to Remgro and IHL, the restructuring is designed to sharpen strategic focus and operational alignment in their respective home markets.

“The Potential Transaction will be structured with a view to ensuring continuity and stability for Mediclinic Holdings employees and patients,” the companies said in a statement.

They also emphasized that the move preserves joint interests in the Middle East’s Spire Healthcare Group plc businesses, where both Remgro and IHL see continued growth opportunities.

For Remgro, the move reinforces Johann Rupert’s long-term commitment to South Africa’s private healthcare sector, while MSC solidifies its European foothold through Hirslanden.

Both companies signal that the realignment will unlock value by leveraging brand presence, operational focus, and local expertise, positioning Mediclinic for sustainable growth across all markets.