In an update to our earlier report, Healthscope (ASX:HSP) has unanimously recommended that shareholders accept a cash offer of $6.26 per share from a consortium of TPG and Carlyle.

The offer from TPG and Carlyle values Australia’s second largest hospital operator at $2.7 billion.

In a statement to the ASX this morning, Healthscope says the offer price will be reduced by any future dividends that it pays to shareholders prior to completion.

Healthscope shareholders are to meet in early October to vote on the proposed takeover.

Chairman Linda Nicholls says the offer provides shareholders with an excellent opportunity to realise considerable value from their investment and expects the transaction to be completed by October.

TPG and Carlyle are two private equity firms in the US that collectively manage over US$135 billion in equity capital.

Healthscope reported a profit of $72.29 million for the year ending 30 June 2009.