Updated version 2 - According to the Financial Times, McKesson and CD&R are about to finalize a deal worth more than 5 billions dollars to acquire Option Care.

Information on shares has been added in the second paragraph, and full background sections have been adjusted accordingly.

Reuters, October 5 - According to The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter on Monday, US pharmaceutical distributor McKesson (MCK.N) and private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice are close to reaching a deal to acquire infusion services provider Option Care Health in a transaction valued at more than $5 billion, including debt.

Following the news, Option Care’s share price rose by 21% in after-hours trading.

The report said the deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, though the negotiations could still fall apart.

This acquisition would be McKesson's latest deal as it seeks to expand its healthcare services portfolio. In August this year, the company agreed to acquire Precision Medicine Group for about $2.25 billion (link), as part of its multi-year efforts to strengthen its high-growth business segments.

Option Care provides infusion services, enabling patients to receive intravenous therapy at home or in other outpatient settings without having to go to a hospital.

McKesson has been reshaping its portfolio by divesting non-core assets and investing in fields such as oncology and specialty care (link).

Driven by growth in its specialty drug distribution business and contributions from acquisitions, revenue from its oncology and multi-specialty segment rose 33% in the latest fiscal quarter.

McKesson, CD&R, and Option Care did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment regarding the report.

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