Grand Cayman has emerged as a premier location for private equity firms, attracting global players like Highland Capital Partners, Trilantic Capital Partners, and CVC Capital Partners. These firms leverage the Cayman Islands’ favorable tax environment and robust financial infrastructure to manage substantial investment portfolios across diverse sectors. Investors and entrepreneurs seeking to connect with like-minded professionals in private equity can explore our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Highland Capital Partners
Investment Style: Highland Capital Partners focuses on early-stage and growth-stage technology investments across sectors like consumer, enterprise, healthcare, and fintech. Their approach emphasizes partnering with entrepreneurs to build transformative companies that have the potential to disrupt markets.
Portfolio Companies: Highland Capital Partners’ portfolio includes companies such as Rent the Runway (fashion rental service), 6 River Systems (robotics fulfillment solutions), and Turbonomic (application resource management).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Paul Maeder, Co-Founder and General Partner: Focuses on early-stage investments in software and technology, leveraging decades of experience in venture capital.
- Bob Davis, General Partner: Specializes in growth-stage investments and has a notable track record in building successful technology companies.
- Sean Dalton, General Partner: Invests primarily in the healthcare and technology sectors, driving growth and innovation in the portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- 6 River Systems to Shopify: Acquired for $450 million to enhance Shopify’s fulfillment network capabilities.
- Turbonomic to IBM: Acquired to bolster IBM’s AI-powered automation capabilities.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Freshly, a ready-to-eat meal delivery service, to support its expansion and market penetration.
- Led Series C funding round in Fi, a smart dog collar company, to accelerate product development and distribution.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: Boston, Palo Alto
Website: www.hcp.com
Quote: “At Highland, our mission is to be the most trusted partner for entrepreneurs who are building iconic companies. We believe that our deep industry expertise and collaborative approach make us unique.” – Paul Maeder, Co-Founder and General Partner
Trilantic Capital Partners
Investment Style: Trilantic Capital Partners focuses on control and significant minority investments in North America and Europe, particularly in sectors like energy, financial services, consumer, and business services. They emphasize partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Sunrise Strategic Partners (consumer brand accelerator), Indigo Wild (natural skincare products), and Fortitech (nutritional premixes).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $9.7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Charles Ayres, Chairman and Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees key portfolio initiatives.
- Glenn Jacobson, Partner: Focuses on investments within the energy and industrial sectors, leveraging his extensive expertise.
- Chris Manning, Partner: Specializes in financial services and business services, guiding the growth of portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Sunrise Strategic Partners’ sale to Sovos Brands: Acquired to expand Sovos’s portfolio of health-focused consumer brands.
- Indigo Wild acquired by Prairie Capital: Enhanced Prairie’s natural consumer products portfolio.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in RoadSafe Traffic Systems, a leading provider of traffic safety services and products.
- Acquisition of Home Franchise Concepts, a home services franchisor.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: New York, London
Website: www.trilantic.com
Quote: “Our focus on collaboration and lasting partnerships with management teams sets us apart and allows us to create value over the long term.” – Charles Ayres, Chairman and Managing Partner
CVC Capital Partners
Investment Style: CVC Capital Partners focuses on large-scale buyouts and investments across multiple sectors, including consumer, healthcare, and financial services. Their investment approach combines strategic insights with operational enhancements to drive growth and long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: CVC’s portfolio includes companies such as Formula One Group (global motorsport), Petco (pet specialty retailer), and Breitling (luxury watchmaker).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 300 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $125 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Steve Koltes, Co-Chairman: Co-founded the firm and has been instrumental in developing its strategic vision.
- Donald MacKenzie, Co-Chairman: Leads CVC’s investment strategy and oversees major transactions globally.
- Rob Lucas, Managing Partner: Focuses on large-scale buyouts and strategic investments across sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Formula One Group’s IPO: Listed on the public market, enhancing its global reach and investor base.
- Petco’s acquisition by CVC and CPPIB: Enhanced its market position through significant investments in infrastructure and services.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in DFI Retail Group, a multi-format retailer in Asia.
- Acquisition of PDC Brands, a global beauty and wellness company.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: Luxembourg, London, New York, Hong Kong
Website: www.cvc.com
Quote: “We believe that our global reach and deep sector expertise enable us to identify and unlock value opportunities that others may not see.” – Steve Koltes, Co-Chairman
Permira
Investment Style: Permira focuses on buyouts and growth capital investments across sectors such as consumer, technology, healthcare, and services. Their strategy involves working closely with management teams to drive growth and create value through operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Permira’s portfolio includes Klarna (fintech), LegalZoom (online legal technology), and Allegro (e-commerce platform).
Founding Date: 1985
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 250 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately €44 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner: Leads Permira’s investment strategy and drives growth across portfolio companies.
- Tom Lister, Co-Managing Partner: Focuses on expanding Permira’s global investment reach and sector expertise.
- Alejandro Ortin, Partner: Specializes in technology and consumer sectors, guiding investments and portfolio growth.
Recent Exits:
- Klarna’s secondary share sale: Provided liquidity to existing investors while bringing new strategic partners onboard.
- LegalZoom’s IPO: Listed on the public market to accelerate growth and service offerings.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Invested in Cambrex Corporation, a global life sciences company.
- Acquisition of Neuraxpharm, a leading European specialty pharmaceutical company.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo
Website: www.permira.com
Quote: “Our ability to work in partnership with management teams to transform businesses is what differentiates us.” – Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner
Advent International
Investment Style: Advent International focuses on private equity buyouts and growth capital investments. They target sectors such as business and financial services, healthcare, retail, industrial, and technology. Their approach combines strategic insights with operational expertise to drive transformative growth.
Portfolio Companies: Advent’s portfolio includes companies such as Serta Simmons Bedding (mattress manufacturer), Laird (electronics and technology), and Olaplex (haircare products).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $92 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Mussafer, Managing Partner: Focuses on driving strategic growth and operational improvements across portfolio companies.
- James Brocklebank, Managing Partner: Specializes in investments across multiple sectors, leveraging his extensive industry experience.
- Juan Saldívar, Managing Partner: Leads investments in Latin America and contributes to global investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Serta Simmons Bedding’s sale to Proxy Partners: Strengthened its market position through strategic investment and innovation.
- Laird’s acquisition by Advent-backed AI: Expanded its technological capabilities and market reach.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Encora, a global product engineering services company.
- Acquisition of RAET, a Netherlands-based HR software and services provider.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: Boston, London, New York, São Paulo
Website: www.adventinternational.com
Quote: “Our deep sector expertise and global reach allow us to identify and execute on opportunities that others may overlook.” – David Mussafer, Managing Partner
Carlyle Group
Investment Style: Carlyle Group focuses on buyouts, growth capital, and strategic investments across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, consumer, energy, financial services, healthcare, and technology. They emphasize leveraging their global network and deep industry expertise to create value.
Portfolio Companies: Carlyle’s portfolio includes companies such as ZoomInfo (business intelligence), Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (in vitro diagnostics), and United Road Services (transportation and logistics).
Founding Date: 1987
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 600 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $260 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Kewsong Lee, CEO: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees global operations.
- Glenn Youngkin, Co-CEO: Focuses on driving growth and operational excellence across the firm’s portfolio.
- Peter Clare, Co-Chief Investment Officer: Specializes in large-scale buyouts and strategic investments.
Recent Exits:
- ZoomInfo’s IPO: Listed on the public market to expand its data and intelligence capabilities.
- Ortho Clinical Diagnostics’ sale to Quidel: Enhanced its product offerings and market reach through strategic investment.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Jagex, a leading UK-based video game developer.
- Acquisition of McDonald’s China, enhancing its market presence and operational efficiencies.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: Washington D.C., New York, London, Hong Kong
Website: www.carlyle.com
Quote: “Carlyle’s unique combination of global scale, industry expertise, and operational capability sets us apart in delivering value to our partners and stakeholders.” – Kewsong Lee, CEO
KKR & Co.
Investment Style: KKR focuses on a broad range of investment strategies including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. They believe in leveraging a patient and disciplined investment approach to identify opportunities and enhance value through management partnership and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: KKR’s portfolio includes companies such as Envision Healthcare (healthcare services), BMC Software (enterprise software), and Trainline (rail and coach travel platform).
Founding Date: 1976
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 1,300 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $429 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Henry Kravis, Co-Founder and Co-CEO: Focuses on the firm’s strategic initiatives and oversees major investments.
- George Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO: Drives the firm’s global investment strategies and operational excellence.
- Joseph Bae, Co-President and Co-COO: Specializes in private equity investments and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Envision Healthcare’s strategic sale to AmSurg: Enhanced its market position through integration with complementary services.
- BMC Software’s acquisition by a strategic buyer: Strengthened its enterprise software offerings and market reach.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Heartland Dental, a leading dental support organization.
- Acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group, enhancing its financial services capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: New York, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong
Website: www.kkr.com
Quote: “KKR’s approach is rooted in collaboration and partnership, enabling us to work closely with management teams to drive sustainable growth.” – George Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO
TPG Capital
Investment Style: TPG Capital focuses on leveraged buyouts, growth capital, and recapitalizations in sectors such as consumer, healthcare, industrials, technology, and financial services. Their strategy involves leveraging their deep industry expertise and global network to enhance portfolio company performance and drive long-term value.
Portfolio Companies: TPG’s portfolio includes companies such as Airbnb (hospitality platform), LifeStance Health (mental healthcare services), and Cirque du Soleil (live entertainment).
Founding Date: 1992
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 500 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $109 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jim Coulter, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman: Oversees the firm’s global strategy and investment activities.
- Jon Winkelried, CEO: Focuses on driving operational excellence and growth across the firm’s portfolio.
- David Bonderman, Co-Founder: Specializes in strategic investments and value creation initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Airbnb’s IPO: Listed on the public market, expanding its global reach and service offerings.
- LifeStance Health’s sale to KKR: Enhanced its market position and growth potential through strategic partnerships.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in DirecTV, a leading satellite television company.
- Acquisition of Convey Health Solutions, a healthcare technology and services company.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: San Francisco, Fort Worth, New York, London
Website: www.tpg.com
Quote: “TPG’s emphasis on collaboration and partnership with management teams is a cornerstone of our strategy for driving long-term value.” – Jon Winkelried, CEO
Bain Capital
Investment Style: Bain Capital focuses on private equity, venture capital, credit, public equity, and impact investments across sectors such as consumer, healthcare, technology, industrials, and financial services. Their approach emphasizes long-term partnerships with management teams and operational improvements to drive growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Bain Capital’s portfolio includes companies such as Virgin Voyages (cruise line), Canada Goose (apparel), and Rocket Software (enterprise software).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 1,100 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $160 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- John Connaughton, Co-Managing Partner: Oversees the firm’s global investment strategies and portfolio operations.
- Jonathan Lavine, Co-Managing Partner: Focuses on expanding Bain Capital’s investment reach and sector expertise.
- Stephen Pagliuca, Co-Chairman: Specializes in strategic growth initiatives and value creation across sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Canada Goose’s IPO: Listed on the public market to enhance its brand presence and market reach.
- Virgin Voyages’ strategic partnership with Virgin Group: Expanded its cruise offerings and global reach.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Athenahealth, a leading provider of cloud-based services for healthcare providers.
- Acquisition of Valeo Foods Group, a European food company.
Office Locations:
- Additional Offices: Boston, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai
Website: www.baincapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on building long-term partnerships with management teams is what sets us apart and drives the success of our investments.” – John Connaughton, Co-Managing Partner
Conclusion
Grand Cayman’s private equity landscape represents a sophisticated ecosystem where financial expertise meets strategic opportunity. The jurisdiction’s robust regulatory framework and tax advantages continue to attract global investment vehicles seeking optimal structures. As the financial world evolves, these firms remain adaptable, leveraging local expertise to navigate complex international transactions.
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