一个超级IPO敲钟，黑石赚翻了

Core Viewpoint - Medline, a global healthcare company, has successfully completed its IPO, marking the largest IPO in the US for the year, with a market capitalization exceeding $54 billion on its first trading day [4][19]. Company Background - Medline was founded in 1966 by brothers Jim and John Mills, inspired by their grandfather's sewing business [5][17]. - The company initially focused on manufacturing medical supplies and has grown to offer a wide range of products, including surgical gowns, gloves, masks, and disinfectants [6][18]. - Medline was briefly public in 1972 but was privatized five years later, remaining a family-owned business until its recent IPO [5][17]. IPO Details - The IPO raised approximately $6.264 billion by issuing 216 million shares at a price of $29 each, with significant interest from cornerstone investors [6][19]. - Medline's IPO was oversubscribed by more than ten times, highlighting strong market demand [6][19]. - The company achieved a first-day closing price that increased by over 41%, bringing its market value to approximately $54 billion [4][19]. Financial Performance - Medline's revenue has shown consistent growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 18% since its inception, reaching $17.5 billion in 2020 and projected to be $25.5 billion in 2024 [7][21]. - The company reported a net profit of $977 million for the first nine months of 2025, indicating strong financial health [21]. Private Equity Involvement - The company was acquired by a consortium of private equity firms, including Blackstone, Carlyle, and Hellman & Friedman, in 2021, purchasing nearly 80% of the company [9][20]. - Since the acquisition, Medline's revenue has increased by nearly 50%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the private equity firms' management strategies [21]. - The private equity firms are expected to benefit significantly from the IPO, with potential returns estimated in the billions [4][10]. Market Impact - Medline's IPO is noted as the largest private equity-backed IPO in history, reflecting the growing trend of private equity firms taking companies public [20]. - The successful IPO is part of a broader trend, with Blackstone completing multiple IPOs in the recent quarter, indicating a robust exit environment for private equity investments [23].