Luxembourg has emerged as a premier hub for private equity firms, attracting global players like CVC Capital Partners, Partners Group, and Ardian. These firms leverage Luxembourg’s strategic location, robust financial infrastructure, and favorable regulatory environment to manage substantial investment portfolios across diverse sectors. Our thriving private equity ecosystem offers unique opportunities for investors seeking international growth. Join our community of like-minded business leaders at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
CVC Capital Partners
Investment Style: CVC Capital Partners specializes in private equity investments, with a strong focus on large buyouts and growth investments across various sectors globally. They utilize deep sector expertise and operational insights to drive growth and value creation in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: CVC’s portfolio includes companies such as Petco (pet specialty retailer), Breitling (luxury watchmaker), and Avast (cybersecurity software).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 300
Assets Under Management: Approximately $133 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Ken Young, Managing Partner: Young focuses on strategic investments and has been instrumental in leading CVC’s large-cap buyout deals.
- Steve Koltes, Co-Founder: Koltes has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s investment philosophy and fostering its global growth.
- Donald Mackenzie, Managing Partner: Mackenzie contributes to CVC’s investment strategies, focusing on value creation and operational improvements.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Sunrise Communications Group AG, a leading telecommunications provider, through a public offering.
- Successfully sold a stake in Recordati, a pharmaceutical company, to a consortium of investors.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Stock Spirits, a leading Central and Eastern European spirits producer.
- Purchased Unilever’s tea business, adding a significant global brand to their portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg: 20 Avenue Monterey, L-2163 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and other major financial hubs worldwide.
Website: www.cvc.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered on partnering with strong management teams to build world-class businesses, leveraging our global presence and deep sector expertise.” – Ken Young, Managing Partner
Partners Group
Investment Style: Partners Group focuses on direct, primary, and secondary investments across private equity, private debt, private real estate, and private infrastructure markets. They employ a thematic sourcing approach and aim for transformative growth in their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes Cerba HealthCare (medical diagnostics), Fermaca (natural gas infrastructure), and Techem (energy efficiency solutions).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 500
Assets Under Management: Approximately €135 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- David Layton, Chief Executive Officer: Layton drives the firm’s strategic direction, focusing on sustainable investment frameworks and value creation.
- Steffen Meister, Executive Chairman: Meister plays a crucial role in overseeing investment strategies and fostering innovation within the firm.
- Martin Scott, Head of Private Equity: Scott leads the private equity team, focusing on operational improvements and growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Vermaat, a leading provider of high-end catering services, to Compass Group.
- Sold a stake in Schleich, a manufacturer of toy figurines, to a consortium of investors.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Pharmathen, a European pharmaceutical company, enhancing their presence in the healthcare sector.
- Purchased Atria Convergence Technologies, a leading Indian broadband service provider.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg: 35D, Avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: Zug, Singapore, Sydney, and other global locations.
Website: www.partnersgroup.com
Quote: “Our global platform and thematic sourcing approach allow us to identify and invest in companies poised for transformative growth.” – David Layton, Chief Executive Officer
Ardian
Investment Style: Ardian specializes in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and private debt investments. The firm emphasizes responsible investing and long-term value creation through active participation in the strategic and operational enhancement of portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Ardian’s portfolio includes Biofarma Group (pharmaceuticals), SLV Group (lighting solutions), and Inovie (medical diagnostics).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 700
Assets Under Management: Approximately $150 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Dominique Senequier, Founder and President: Senequier has been instrumental in shaping Ardian’s global strategy and investment philosophy.
- Mathias Burghardt, Member of the Executive Committee: Burghardt leads the infrastructure investments, focusing on sustainable asset management.
- Thibault Basquin, Head of Americas Investment Activities: Basquin oversees Ardian’s private equity investments in the Americas, emphasizing value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Sold a stake in F2i, Italy’s largest independent infrastructure fund, to institutional investors.
- Completed the exit of Indigo Group, a global leader in parking and individual mobility services.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired a majority stake in Deli Home, a leading supplier of home improvement products in the Benelux region.
- Purchased an interest in Opteven, a leading provider of mechanical breakdown insurance and vehicle maintenance contracts.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg: 36 Avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: Paris, London, New York, and other major financial centers globally.
Website: www.ardian.com
Quote: “At Ardian, we are committed to responsible investing and long-term value creation, leveraging our deep expertise and global reach.” – Dominique Senequier, Founder and President
IK Partners
Investment Style: IK Partners focuses on buyouts and development capital for small to mid-sized companies in the Nordics, DACH, France, and Benelux regions. They aim to support businesses with strong growth potential and foster operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: IK Partners’ portfolio includes Innovaderm (clinical research), House of HR (HR services), and VPS (vacant property services).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 150
Assets Under Management: Approximately €10 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Patrick Bettscheider, Founder: Bettscheider has been pivotal in establishing the firm’s investment strategies and expanding its geographic footprint.
- Christopher Masek, CEO: Masek leads IK Partners’ strategic initiatives, focusing on enhancing operational performance of portfolio companies.
- Anders Petersson, Partner: Petersson brings expertise in the Nordics, playing a key role in executing investments in the region.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Transnorm Group, a leading manufacturer of high-performance modules for conveyor systems, to Honeywell.
- Sold a stake in Ellab, a provider of validation and monitoring solutions, to Novo Holdings.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired a majority stake in Acture Group, a Dutch provider of social security services.
- Purchased a controlling interest in FCG Group, a Nordic advisory firm specializing in financial services.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg: 8-10, rue Mathias Hardt, L-1717 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: London, Paris, Hamburg, Stockholm, and Amsterdam.
Website: www.ikpartners.com
Quote: “Our focus is on partnering with ambitious management teams to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.” – Christopher Masek, CEO
Apax Partners
Investment Style: Apax Partners specializes in investing in technology, telecommunications, healthcare, consumer, and business services sectors. They use a collaborative approach, working closely with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Apax Partners’ portfolio includes companies such as ThoughtWorks (software consultancy), AssuredPartners (insurance brokerage), and Inmarsat (satellite communications).
Founding Date: 1969
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO: Sillitoe has been instrumental in driving the firm’s investment strategy and focusing on transformative sector opportunities.
- Mitch Truwit, Co-CEO: Truwit focuses on identifying high-potential investment opportunities and enhancing operational capabilities.
- Dean Mihas, Managing Partner: Mihas plays a key role in Apax’s healthcare investments, leading major transactions in the sector.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Qontigo, an index, data, and analytics provider, sold to Deutsche Börse.
- Successfully exited Exact Software, a provider of business and accounting software, to KKR.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Herjavec Group, a leading cybersecurity services company, enhancing their technology portfolio.
- Purchased Rodenstock, a global leader in prescription eyewear and lenses.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg: 12C, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: New York, London, Munich, Tel Aviv, and Shanghai.
Website: www.apax.com
Quote: “Our global reach and deep sector expertise allow us to identify and invest in companies with transformative growth potential.” – Andrew Sillitoe, Co-CEO
Pai Partners
Investment Style: PAI Partners focuses on leveraged buyouts of larger middle-market companies in Europe. They emphasize operational improvements and strategic transformations to foster growth and generate long-term value in their investments.
Portfolio Companies: PAI Partners’ portfolio includes Froneri (ice cream manufacturer), Refresco (beverage solutions), and Areas (travel catering).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately €14 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Michel Paris, CEO: Paris has played a key role in developing PAI’s investment strategies and expanding its presence in the European market.
- Richard Howell, Partner: Howell contributes to the firm’s operational strategies, focusing on value creation and portfolio company growth.
- Gaëlle d’Engremont, Partner: d’Engremont focuses on consumer goods investments and has been instrumental in several high-profile transactions.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Perstorp, a sustainable solutions provider, sold to Petronas Chemicals Group.
- Completed the sale of M Group Services, a leading service provider to essential utility markets, to a consortium of investors.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Euro Ethnic Foods, a European distributor of international food products.
- Purchased Angulas Aguinaga, a Spanish seafood company, to expand their food and beverage portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg (Headquarters): 12-14, rue Léon Laval, L-3372 Leudelange, Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: Paris, London, Madrid, Milan, and Stockholm.
Website: www.paipartners.com
Quote: “We focus on transforming companies into market leaders by leveraging our deep understanding of the European middle-market.” – Michel Paris, CEO
CapVest Partners
Investment Style: CapVest Partners specializes in mid-market buyouts and invests in businesses across consumer, healthcare, and food sectors. Their approach involves partnering with management teams to drive strategic growth and operational efficiency.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Valeo Foods (food and beverage), Curium (nuclear medicine), and Eight Fifty Food Group (protein food products).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately €5 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Seamus Fitzpatrick, Managing Partner: Fitzpatrick oversees CapVest’s strategic direction and investment strategies, focusing on growth and operational improvements.
- Tom Leader, Partner: Leader plays a key role in executing investments, particularly in the healthcare sector.
- Edmund Lazarus, Partner: Lazarus is instrumental in driving the firm’s investments in the consumer goods sector and fostering portfolio company growth.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Scandi Standard, a leading producer of chicken products in the Nordic region, through a public offering.
- Sold Alloheim, a German elderly care home operator, to Nordic Capital.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired a controlling stake in Second Nature Brands, a leading North American platform of better-for-you snacks and treats.
- Purchased Rieker Group, a European food company, expanding their presence in the food sector.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg (Headquarters): 6D, route de Trèves, L-2633 Senningerberg, Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: London, Dublin, and New York.
Website: www.capvest.co.uk
Quote: “Our goal is to partner with exceptional management teams to create long-term value through strategic growth and operational excellence.” – Seamus Fitzpatrick, Managing Partner
Cinven
Investment Style: Cinven focuses on large-scale European buyouts, particularly in the business services, healthcare, consumer, financial services, and industrials sectors. They utilize a sector-focused approach, combining deep industry insights with strategic operational enhancements to drive portfolio company growth.
Portfolio Companies: Cinven’s portfolio includes STADA Arzneimittel (pharmaceuticals), Ufinet (telecommunications), and TK Elevator (elevators and escalators).
Founding Date: 1977
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 150
Assets Under Management: Approximately €37 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Stuart McAlpine, Managing Partner: McAlpine leads Cinven’s investment strategy, focusing on value creation and sector expertise.
- Alex Leslie, Partner: Leslie plays a crucial role in healthcare investments, contributing to several high-profile transactions.
- Chris Good, Partner: Good specializes in industrial sector investments, driving strategic growth initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited JLA, a UK-based provider of laundry and catering equipment, to Hg Capital.
- Sold Allegro, Poland’s largest online marketplace, through a public offering.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Barentz, a global life science ingredients distributor.
- Purchased a controlling interest in Envirotainer, a provider of temperature-controlled air cargo containers.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg (Headquarters): 11-13, boulevard de la Foire, L-1528 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, and Madrid.
Website: www.cinven.com
Quote: “Our sector-focused approach and deep industry insights enable us to identify and realize transformational growth opportunities.” – Stuart McAlpine, Managing Partner
EQT Partners
Investment Style: EQT Partners focuses on private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and venture capital investments, with an emphasis on sustainable and impact-driven growth. Their approach involves partnering with management teams to drive innovation and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: EQT’s portfolio includes SUSE (open source software), Sivantos (hearing aids), and IFS (enterprise software).
Founding Date: 1994
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 700
Assets Under Management: Approximately €75 billion
Key Investment Professionals and Contributions:
- Christian Sinding, CEO and Managing Partner: Sinding oversees EQT’s strategic direction, focusing on sustainable investment strategies and value creation.
- Marcus Brennecke, Partner: Brennecke specializes in technology investments, contributing to EQT’s growth in the sector.
- Anna Kinberg Batra, Partner: Kinberg Batra focuses on sustainability-driven investments, playing a key role in EQT’s impact investing efforts.
Recent Exits:
- Exited Anticimex, a global pest control company, to a consortium of investors.
- Successfully sold a stake in AutoStore, a robotics and software company, through a public offering.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Parexel, a leading global clinical research organization, expanding their healthcare portfolio.
- Purchased Freepik Company, a global digital asset marketplace, to enhance their technology investments.
Office Locations:
- Luxembourg (Headquarters): 26A, boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg
- Additional Offices: Stockholm, Munich, New York, and other major global cities.
Website: www.eqtgroup.com
Quote: “EQT’s commitment to sustainable and responsible investing drives our investment strategies and value creation efforts across sectors.” – Christian Sinding, CEO and Managing Partner
Conclusion
Luxembourg’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, offering robust opportunities for global investors. As a financial hub, the country provides a sophisticated regulatory environment that attracts international capital and supports sophisticated investment strategies. The ecosystem’s adaptability and strategic positioning make it an attractive destination for private equity firms seeking sophisticated financial frameworks.
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