Dermapharm AG has attracted interest from buyout groups in a potential €1 billion deal after being put up for sale by its founder, people familiar with the matter said. Wilhelm Beier, Dermapharm's owner and chief executive office, has appointed advisory boutique Ferber to find a buyer for Dermapharm. Private equity groups such as Advent International Corporation; Nordic Capital; Cinven; The Carlyle Group LP (NasdaqGS:CG) and BC Partners have submitted preliminary bids valuing Dermapharm at up to €1 billion including debt, or 12 to 13 times its annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of about 80 million euros, the sources said.

Dermapharm, Ferber and the private equity groups declined to comment.