PRIVATE equity firm Quadria Capital is considering setting up a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to list on the Singapore Exchange, a move which would make it one of the frontrunners to launch a blank-cheque company in the local market, people familiar with the matter said.

The Singapore-based firm, which focuses on healthcare investments around South and South-east Asia, is working with advisors on the potential SPAC listing, said the people, asking not to be named as the process is private. Details - including size and timeline - have not been finalised.

Deliberations are at an early stage and the firm may decide not to proceed with the SPAC listing, one of the people said. Quadria Capital's spokesperson declined to comment.