Buyout group KKR (KKR.N) has started preparations to list vending machine operator Selecta on the Swiss bourse as soon as the fourth quarter of 2018, people close to the matter said, adding to a flurry of major listings in the country.

The private equity firm is working with investment bank Lazard (LAZ.N) as IPO advisor on the deal, they added.
Lazard has already approached other banks to gauge their interest in helping organize the transaction which may see shares worth about 1 billion Swiss francs ($1 billion) sold, one of the people said.

In a bid to lock in high stock market valuations, the Selecta IPO may take place in late 2018, although a 2019 deal is also a possibility, the people said, adding KKR would also be open to an outright sale if it receives attractive offers.

KKR declined to comment. Lazard had no immediate comment.

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