(Reuters) - British healthcare real estate investment trust Assura has rejected a 1.56 billion pound ($1.96 billion) proposal from KKR and pension fund Universities Superannuation Scheme, the U.S.-based private equity group said on Monday.

KKR said it had made four indicative, non-binding proposals to Assura, the latest of which was at 48 pence per share and was rejected by the British company's board.

"KKR is considering whether there is any merit in continuing to try and engage with the board," the U.S. group said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Universities Superannuation Scheme said that it did not intend to make an offer for Assura, as part of the consortium or otherwise.

It was not immediately clear if KKR was considering an independent offer.

($1 = 0.7940 pounds)