Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby says not to divest from Ramsay Healthcare

Sime Darby, a Malaysian conglomerate, said on Wednesday that it has not yet decided to divest from its Asia-focused healthcare joint venture with Australia's largest private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care.

The companies were in talks with financial advisors to consider a sale of the joint venture, according to sources.

In March, Malaysia's IHH Healthcare, one of Asia's biggest private hospital operators, submitted an indicative proposal to buy Ramsay Sime Darby Health CareSime Darby Health Care.

The discussions were called off in early September, weeks after a group led by private equity firm KKR Co Inc withdrew a near $15 billion all-cash buyout offer for Australia-listed Ramsay Healthcare.