BlackRock (BLK) has emerged as the sole suitor for private-credit firm HPS Investment Partners with both sides in advanced talks over a potential acquisition, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

While both firms seek to reach an agreement by the end of the year, HPS may still opt for an initial public offering or a minority stake sale if the parties disagree on a valuation.

For HPS to sell, it would seek a premium above its post-IPO valuation of $11 billion, the report said.

The report cautioned that the talks could conclude without an agreement.

BlackRock and HPS did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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