As part of the transaction, Northwest received 245mn Assura shares. It currently has a 7.6 per cent stake in Assura. Investors' Chronicle spoke to a shareholder who suggested that this, combined with Assura's higher leverage position, might be the reason for Assura's weaker share price performance in recent months. The shares were subject to a six-month lock-in agreement. The shareholder said that this raised the prospect of KKR trying to buy Northwest's shares and taking a stake in Assura, although it is understood KKR would favour a board-backed offer.