By Chibuike Oguh

(Reuters) – GTCR LLC and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) are among private equity firms that have expressed interest in acquiring U.S. medical device manufacturer Merit Medical Systems People familiar with this matter say that (NASDAQ:) Inc.

GTCR told Merit Medical that it was willing to pay $72-75 per share. One of the sources stated. Merit Medical shares had been trading around $61 when Reuters reported that Merit Medical was considering a sale.

Sources said that Merit Medical could be interested in by other private equity companies. However, it is not certain that any deal will happen. Sources said that there could be a deal as early as May if the matter remains confidential.

Spokespeople for GTCR and CD&R declined to comment. Merit Medical spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to our requests for comment.

Merit Medical produces and sells equipment and devices for use in the fields of cardiology and radiology.

The South Jordan-based firm, which is headquartered in Utah, attracted previously the attention of activist hedge fund Starboard Value LP. Starboard Value LP clinched an agreement for Merit’s board to be restructured in 2020.

Both GTCR and CD&R are prolific investors in health and medical device businesses and have been seeking to capitalize on a wave of consolidation sweeping the industry.

GTCR’s vaccine reagent supplier Maravai LifeSciences Holdings Inc turned down a $11 million acquisition offer from Sartorius AG in February. Sources said to Reuters. There is still the possibility that both companies might negotiate a deal.