Batipart, the family holding of French businessman Charles Ruggieri, the founder of Fonciere des Regions, has announced the acquisition of a 9.5% stake in nursing home operator Medica. The vendor is from TBU-3 International, controlled by funds advised by private equity firm BC Partners.

Simultaneously, mutual insurance group Covéa said it has bought an additional 18.6% stake in Medica, also from funds advised by BC Partners.

Following the two deals, TBU-3 International has reduced its stake in Medica to just 2.8%.

Created in 1968, Medica is a leading provider of dependency care in France. It operates in both the long-term care sector, with nursing homes in France and Italy, and in the post-acute and psychiatric care sector. It operates a total of 14,300 beds, and owns around 30% of its facilities.

Batipart, which earlier this year reduced its stake in property group Fonciere des Regions, said the operation is 'in line with its strategy to invest in the real estate and healthcare sectors'. The company has long been active in the healthcare sector, having founded Korian, one of Europe's leading nursing home operators.