Private equity is already risky enough, but choosing one of the top firms can increase the chance of getting favorable returns. These top private equity firms have performed year after year, and they’re some of the best in the world.
Blackstone
Based out of New York, Blackstone capitalizes in a wide range of industries all around the world to create profit for investors. Currently, it’s a global leader with $99.7 billion in assets under management and a portfolio of 91 companies that have $80 billion in combined annual revenue. In private equity alone, Blackstone has over 250 professionals based all over the world in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) has developed an extensive track record of partnering with management teams and entrepreneurs to create successful businesses and investment opportunities around the globe. With a one-firm approach, this company works proactively and collaboratively across industries to achieve strong results for shareholders. KKR has over $131 billion assets under management across five continents and creates over $200 billion in annual revenues.
Warburg Pincus
Also based out of New York, Warburg Pincus is a firm that was established over 50 years ago and has invested more than $58 billion in more than 760 companies all over the world. Currently, this firm has more than $40 billion in assets under management and over 120 highly diversified companies. Warburg Pincus partners with superior management teams to help formulate strategies, conceptualize and implement suitable financing structures, and recruit talented executives.
Advent International
Advent International has over 25 years investing experience in the sector and over 65 investments in 23 countries. Recently, it’s made the news for being one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors after reaching its hard cap of $13 billion after only six months in the market. Advent’s previous Global Private Equity closed on $10.8 billion in 2012, and the new fund will pursue the same strategy as its predecessor funds by investing in buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth in transactions in Europe and North America.
Apollo Global Management
Apollo Global Management out of New York has approximately $41 billion assets under management and has developed substantial expertise and valuable relationships across nine core industries—including chemicals, commodities, consumer & retail, distribution & transportation, financial & business sectors, and more. The latest private equity fund closed in December 2013 with more than $18 billion of commitments. It focuses on several strategies including traditional buyouts, distressed buyouts and debt investments, and corporate partner buyouts.
CVC Capital Partners
CVC Capital Partners is based out of London and is one of the largest private equity firms in the world. Founded in 1981, it has over $85 billion in private equity and credit funds while actively investing from CVC Fund VI, CVC Fund V, CVC Asia III, and the most recent fund, CVC Asia IV. This firm has a history of closing funds that are millions in size—including the most recent European fund which is valued at $14,907 million.
