Medline Industries, a medical supplies provider, is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the US that could exceed $5bn, as reported by Reuters.

The anticipated flotation, which may occur as early as the second quarter of 2025, could value the company at around $50bn.

These plans, however, are subject to market conditions and may change, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

Medline is owned by private equity companies Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman, and has extended invitations to multiple investment banks to present their proposals for lead roles in what is expected to be one of the significant IPOs next year. The discussions are currently confidential, with sources requesting anonymity.

The company's move towards an IPO aligns with a wave of high-profile potential listings for the upcoming year, following a period where market volatility largely stalled new offerings.

The existing private equity owners acquired Medline in 2021 for $34bn.

With origins dating back to 1966 and a brief public stint in the 1970s, Medline was taken private again by founders James and Jon Mills.

The company manufactures and distributes medical supplies, including laboratory devices and surgical equipment.

Recently, Medline saw a leadership change when longtime CEO Charlie Mills retired last year. Jim Boyle, a seasoned company executive, succeeded him.

With approximately 43,000 employees worldwide and operations across more than 100 countries, Medline has annual sales surpassing $23bn.

While Medline has not responded to requests for comment on its IPO preparations, Bloomberg had previously reported on these developments in July.