Blackstone (BX.US) is considering selling a majority stake in the visa services company VFS Global.

According to informed sources, after receiving interest from potential investors, Blackstone (BX.US) is considering selling the majority stake in its visa outsourcing and technology services company VFS Global. The sources said that the American alternative asset management company has engaged in preliminary discussions with advisors to assess the possibility of selling all or part of VFS's equity. The sources said that a potential deal could value VFS at around $7 billion. One option that may be considered is bringing in minority shareholders to help raise cash and facilitate growth. Companies, including sovereign wealth funds, have reportedly expressed interest in investing in the asset. They said that the considerations are still in the early stages, and Blackstone may decide not to proceed with a transaction. A representative from Blackstone declined to comment. VFS Global is headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, and according to its website, the company provides administrative solutions for governments to process passport and visa applications and consular services. The company says it has processed over 294 million applications since 2001, and approximately 141 million biometric applications since 2007. In 2022, Blackstone acquired the majority stake in VFS from EQT AB, the amount undisclosed. The Swedish investor, along with Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, retained a minority stake in VFS.