London stands as a global hub for private equity, hosting renowned firms like CVC Capital Partners, Permira, and Bridgepoint. These firms leverage the city’s robust financial infrastructure, international talent pool, and strategic geographic location to drive transformative investments across diverse sectors. With a rich ecosystem of financial expertise and global connectivity, London provides an unparalleled environment for private equity success. Interested professionals can explore more about this dynamic landscape and connect with like-minded leaders by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
CVC Capital Partners
Investment Style: CVC Capital Partners specializes in private equity and credit investments, with a focus on strategic growth and operational improvements within portfolio companies. They target companies with strong market positions and growth potential across various sectors, including consumer, retail, TMT, and healthcare.
Portfolio Companies: CVC’s diverse portfolio includes companies like, Breitling (luxury watches), and Premiership Rugby (professional rugby union league), Petco, and the Formula One Group.
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 525 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $170 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Steve Koltes, Co-Founder: Koltes has been instrumental in shaping CVC’s investment strategy and driving the firm’s growth since its inception.
- Rolly van Rappard, Co-Founder: Rappard has played a key role in expanding CVC’s global reach and sector expertise.
- Donald Mackenzie, Co-Founder: Mackenzie has contributed to the development of CVC’s private equity and credit platforms.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Sky Bet, a sports betting and gaming company, to The Stars Group.
- Sale of Formula One Group to Liberty Media Corporation.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Minority investment in Aleph Holding, a digital media company focused on emerging markets.
- Acquisition of Unilever’s Tea business, Ekaterra, to enhance their consumer goods portfolio.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 111 Strand, London, WC2R 0AG
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore, and other major cities worldwide.
Website: www.cvc.com
Quote: “Our focus is on creating value through active partnership with management teams, leveraging our deep industry expertise and global resources.” – Donald Mackenzie, Co-Founder
Permira
Investment Style: Permira focuses on investing in market-leading businesses with strong growth potential, particularly in the consumer, technology, industrial, and healthcare sectors. Their strategy involves working closely with management teams to drive sustainable growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Permira’s portfolio includes notable companies such as Dr. Martens (footwear brand), Allegro (leading online marketplace in Poland), and Adevinta (global online classifieds company).
Founding Date: 1985
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 250
Assets Under Management: Approximately €60 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner: Björklund has been pivotal in driving Permira’s investment strategy and expanding their global presence.
- Tom Lister, Co-Managing Partner: Lister focuses on shaping Permira’s strategic direction and enhancing portfolio company performance.
- Richard Sanders, Chief Investment Officer: Sanders leads the investment team and is responsible for overseeing the firm’s investment activities.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Netafim, a global leader in smart irrigation solutions, to Mexichem.
- Exit from TeamViewer, a leading remote access software provider, via IPO.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of McAfee’s Enterprise Business, enhancing their technology portfolio.
- Investment in EF Education First, a global leader in international education.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 80 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Frankfurt, and other major cities worldwide.
Website: www.permira.com
Quote: “We believe in partnering with extraordinary management teams to transform businesses and create lasting value.” – Kurt Björklund, Co-Managing Partner
Apax Partners
Investment Style: Apax Partners specializes in growth investments across four sectors: Tech, Services, Healthcare, and Consumer. They focus on companies with robust growth prospects and sustainable competitive advantages, leveraging deep sector expertise to drive transformational change.
Portfolio Companies: Apax’s portfolio includes companies such as ThoughtWorks (a global software consultancy), AssuredPartners (one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in the U.S.), and Inmarsat (a mobile satellite communications company).
Founding Date: 1969
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $75 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO: Sillitoe leads Apax’s investment strategies and helps drive value creation across the portfolio.
- Mitch Truwit, Co-CEO: Truwit focuses on overseeing Apax’s operational initiatives and enhancing portfolio company growth.
- Tom Hall, Partner: Hall specializes in tech investments and has played a key role in several successful transactions.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Genius Sports, a data and technology company, to dMY Technology Group, Inc. II via a merger.
- Exit from Wehkamp, a leading Dutch online retailer, via a secondary sale to Gilde Buy Out Partners.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Herjavec Group, strengthening their cybersecurity portfolio.
- Investment in Rodenstock Group, a leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 33 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6DN
- Additional Offices: New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and other major cities worldwide.
Website: www.apax.com
Quote: “Our long-term, sector-focused approach allows us to build deep expertise and drive impactful change in our portfolio companies.” – Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO
Bridgepoint
Investment Style: Bridgepoint focuses on investing in mid-market companies with growth potential within the consumer, healthcare, and business services sectors. Their strategy involves partnering with management teams to drive value creation through operational improvement and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Bridgepoint’s portfolio includes companies like Pret A Manger (international sandwich shop chain), Zenith (car leasing and fleet management), and AHT Cooling Systems (refrigeration and freezer manufacturer).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200
Assets Under Management: Approximately €27 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- William Jackson, Managing Partner: Jackson leads Bridgepoint’s strategic direction and investment activities.
- Charles Barter, General Counsel: Barter oversees the firm’s legal affairs and regulatory compliance.
- Michael Black, Partner: Black focuses on investments in the business services sector and drives value creation strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Care UK’s Residential Care Services business to funds managed by BC Partners.
- Exit from Pret A Manger to JAB Holdings.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquisition of Achilles, a leader in supply chain risk management systems.
- Investment in SafetyCulture, a technology company focused on improving workplace safety.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 95 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1FB
- Additional Offices: New York, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and Shanghai.
Website: www.bridgepoint.eu
Quote: “We believe in nurturing a culture of partnership with our management teams, enabling them to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable growth.” – William Jackson, Managing Partner
Terra Firma
Investment Style: Terra Firma focuses on transforming asset-backed businesses in essential industries through strategic and operational change. They target businesses with strong market positions and the potential for significant improvement in infrastructure, renewable energy, and real estate sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Terra Firma’s portfolio includes companies like Annington (residential property owner), RTR (solar energy company), and EverPower (provider of utility-scale wind power).
Founding Date: 1994
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 40
Assets Under Management: Over €5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Guy Hands, Chairman and Founder: Hands has been instrumental in defining Terra Firma’s vision and executing its investment strategy.
- Justin King, Vice Chairman and Head of Portfolio Businesses: King focuses on the operational management and strategic direction of portfolio companies.
- Tim Pryce, CEO: Pryce oversees Terra Firma’s investment activities and organizational development.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of AWAS, an aircraft leasing company, to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.
- Exit from Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group to AMC Theatres.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Welcome Break, a leading motorway services operator in the UK.
- Acquisition of Parmaco, a Finnish modular building company.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 2 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2AP
- Additional Offices: Guernsey.
Website: www.terrafirma.com
Quote: “At Terra Firma, we transform businesses by working closely with management teams to drive real change and unlock value.” – Guy Hands, Chairman and Founder
TDR Capital
Investment Style: TDR Capital focuses on high-quality, market-leading businesses with strong fundamentals, primarily in Europe. Their investment strategy centers on driving growth through strategic partnerships and operational improvements, often in sectors such as consumer, leisure, and business services.
Portfolio Companies: TDR Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Stonegate Pub Company (UK’s largest pub retailer), Euro Garages (global operator of convenience stores and gas stations), and David Lloyd Leisure (leading health and fitness group).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately €10 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Manjit Dale, Co-Founder: Dale has played a critical role in TDR’s investment strategy and the development of their portfolio companies.
- Stephen Robertson, Co-Founder: Robertson focuses on driving operational excellence and strategic growth within portfolio businesses.
- Gary Lindsay, Managing Partner: Lindsay leads TDR’s investment activities and partnership initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Keepmoat Homes, a leading UK homebuilder, to Aermont Capital.
- Exit from Experian, a global information services company, via market transactions.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in BPP, a leading provider of professional and academic education.
- Acquisition of ASDA, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, in partnership with the Issa brothers.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 20 Bentinck Street, London, W1U 2EU
Website: www.tdrcapital.com
Quote: “We believe in partnering with businesses and their management teams to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value.” – Manjit Dale, Co-Founder
Hg
Investment Style: Hg focuses on investing in software and service businesses with strong growth potential, primarily in Europe. Their approach involves providing strategic guidance and operational support to drive growth and build long-term value in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Hg’s portfolio includes companies like Visma (provider of business-critical software), IRIS Software Group (accountancy and payroll software provider), and Sovos (global tax compliance and regulatory reporting software).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200
Assets Under Management: Approximately £40 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Nic Humphries, Senior Partner: Humphries has been instrumental in shaping Hg’s investment strategy and expanding their portfolio.
- Matthew Brockman, Managing Partner: Brockman focuses on driving value creation and growth initiatives across Hg’s portfolio companies.
- Jim Strang, Partner and Head of Portfolio Management: Strang oversees the strategic direction and performance of portfolio businesses.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Transporeon, a logistics software platform, to Trimble Inc.
- Exit from Sovos Compliance in a sale to Hg Saturn 2 Fund.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Prophix Software, a global leader in Corporate Performance Management software.
- Acquisition of Riskalyze, a fintech company focused on risk management solutions for financial advisors.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 2 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2AP
- Additional Offices: Munich, New York.
Website: www.hgcapital.com
Quote: “Our dedication to the software and service sectors allows us to build deep expertise and drive sustained growth and innovation within our portfolio businesses.” – Nic Humphries, Senior Partner
3i Group
Investment Style: 3i Group focuses on private equity and infrastructure investments, targeting mid-market companies with growth potential across Europe and North America. Their strategy involves providing capital, strategic advice, and operational support to drive transformational growth and industry leadership.
Portfolio Companies: 3i Group’s portfolio includes companies such as Audley Travel (tailor-made travel provider), Cirtec Medical (provider of outsourced medical device manufacturing), and Scandlines (ferry operator in the Baltic Sea).
Founding Date: 1945
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 250
Assets Under Management: Approximately £16 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Simon Borrows, Chief Executive: Borrows leads 3i Group’s strategic direction and investment activities.
- Peter Wirtz, Partner: Wirtz focuses on driving value creation and growth initiatives within the portfolio.
- Julia Wilson, Chief Financial Officer: Wilson manages 3i Group’s financial operations and strategy.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Basic-Fit, a leading European discount fitness chain, via IPO.
- Exit from Element Materials Technology, a provider of testing and certification services, to Bridgepoint.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Evernex, a leading provider of third-party maintenance services for data centers.
- Acquisition of Magnitude Software, a leader in data management and analytics solutions.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 16 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JD
- Additional Offices: Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, and Mumbai.
Website: www.3i.com
Quote: “Our approach is to deliver strong returns by investing in businesses with clear growth potential and partnering with management teams to create value.” – Simon Borrows, Chief Executive
Actis
Investment Style: Actis specializes in investing in growth markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, focusing on the energy, real estate, and private equity sectors. Their strategy involves building sustainable businesses and infrastructure by leveraging local expertise and global insights.
Portfolio Companies: Actis’s portfolio includes companies such as Lekela Power (renewable energy generation), Atlas Renewable Energy (solar power company), and Honoris United Universities (pan-African higher education network).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200
Assets Under Management: Approximately $19 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Toru Tokushige, Head of Asia: Tokushige oversees Actis’s investments and operations in Asia.
- Shami Nissan, Head of Responsible Investment: Nissan focuses on integrating sustainability and impact considerations across Actis’s portfolio.
- Mike Till, Partner, Head of Energy: Till leads Actis’s energy investments and strategy globally.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of GHL Bank, a leading mortgage provider in Ghana, to First National Bank.
- Exit from Compuscan, a credit bureau in Africa, to Experian.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in BioTherm Energy, a renewable energy company in Africa.
- Acquisition of Echo Polska Properties, a leading retail real estate company in Poland.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 2 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2JT
- Additional Offices: Johannesburg, Cairo, Mumbai, Singapore, and São Paulo.
Website: www.act.is
Quote: “We strive to deliver compelling returns by investing responsibly in businesses that foster growth and build sustainable communities.” – Toru Tokushige, Head of Asia
Conclusion
London’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic financial ecosystem. These firms play a crucial role in shaping corporate trajectories, driving value creation, and facilitating strategic transformations. As global economic conditions shift, London remains a critical hub for sophisticated investment strategies and corporate restructuring.
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