Carlyle Is Said to Lead Bidding for Japan’s Hogy Medical

US buyout firm Carlyle Group Inc. has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Hogy Medical Co., people with knowledge of the matter said, in a potential takeover that’s set to add to a Japanese dealmaking boom.

Carlyle has pulled ahead of other private equity firms that are bidding for the medical products maker, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information isn’t public. It’s in advanced talks on terms of a potential transaction and aims to reach an agreement soon, according to the people.