Top 10: Private Equity Companies
Private equity has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the industry's assets under management reaching US$13.1tn as of June 2023. This represents a nearly 20% annual growth rate since 2018.
The largest private equity firms have continued to dominate, with Blackstone retaining the top spot in 2024, raising an impressive US$125.6bn over the past five years. Despite market volatility, private equity activity saw its strongest quarter in two years in Q2 2024, with over 120 deals announced valued at US$196bn.
The industry has also expanded into new areas, with increased focus on retail investors, private credit and diverse secondary deals. Here, we look at the Top 10 Private Equity companies on the market today.
10. Bain Capital
• CEO: John Connaughton and Jonathan Lavine (Co-Managing Partners)
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Employees: Approximately 1,600
• Founded: 1984
Bain Capital, managing around US$185bn in assets, stands as a prominent global investment firm. The company deploys capital across private equity, venture capital, credit and public equity sectors. Its distinctive consulting-oriented strategy involves close collaboration with management teams to enhance operations and foster business growth. Operating from 22 offices worldwide, Bain Capital has built a reputation through significant acquisitions and diversified into impact investing and life sciences. The firm's reach and influence continue to shape global markets and drive innovation.
9. Advent International
• CEO: David Mussafer (Managing Partner)
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Employees: Over 290 investment professionals
• Founded: 1984
Advent International, a leading global private equity investor, manages US$92bn in assets across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The firm has completed over 415 private equity deals in 42 countries, focusing on business services, healthcare, industrial, retail/consumer/leisure and technology sectors. Operating from 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent employs an operations-focused strategy, working closely with management teams to enhance business performance. Its worldwide presence enables them to combine local market knowledge with global investment expertise.
8. Warburg Pincus
• CEO: Charles R. "Chip" Kaye
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Employees: Over 290 investment professionals
• Founded: 1966
Warburg Pincus, a renowned global private equity firm, manages over US$90bn in assets and has invested more than US$117bn across 1,000+ companies in 40 countries. The firm specializes in technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy sectors, operating from 15 global offices. With its patient investment approach, Warburg Pincus has raised 21 private equity funds and guided over 140 companies through successful IPOs, establishing itself as an expert in transforming growth-stage investments into market leaders.
7. Thoma Bravo
• CEO: Orlando Bravo (Managing Partner)
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Employees: Over 290 investment professionals
• Founded: 2008 (successor to Golder Thoma & Co., established in 1980)
Thoma Bravo, a prominent American private equity firm, manages approximately US$142bn in assets, focusing exclusively on software and technology-enabled services. The firm has executed more than 415 software acquisitions and is known for its successful "buy-and-build" approach. In 2022, they raised a significant US$24.3bn fund. With investments in major companies like Sophos and Proofpoint, Thoma Bravo has established itself as a leader in enterprise software and cybersecurity investments, ranking fourth in PEI 300's 2023 list.
6. EQT AB
• CEO: Christian Sinding
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
• Employees: Approximately 1,838
• Founded: 1994
EQT AB, a Nordic-rooted global investment firm, manages US$262bn in assets across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and venture capital sectors. Operating from offices in 20 countries spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, EQT has built a portfolio of over 415 companies. The firm is recognised for its active ownership model and emphasis on sustainable business practices. As the world's third-largest private equity firm by funds raised, EQT combines long-term investment philosophy with strategic growth initiatives.
5. CVC Capital Partners
• CEO: Rob Lucas (Managing Partner)
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Employees: Over 850
• Founded: 1981
CVC Capital Partners, a leading global private equity and investment advisory firm, manages approximately US$202bn in assets across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Operating from 25 offices worldwide, CVC specialises in leveraged buyouts and mature business investments across diverse sectors. The firm raised a landmark US$28.5bn private equity fund in 2023. With investments in over 100 companies and notable acquisitions spanning sports to pharmaceuticals, CVC employs an active ownership strategy to drive portfolio growth.
4. The Carlyle Group Inc.
• CEO: William Conway
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
• Employees: Approximately 1,850
• Founded: 1987
The Carlyle Group Inc. is a renowned global private equity firm with US$426bn in assets under management. Specialising in private equity, real assets, and private credit, Carlyle operates across diverse sectors including aerospace, healthcare and technology. With offices in 28 cities worldwide, the firm is known for its strategic investments and significant influence in financial markets. Carlyle's comprehensive investment approach and expansive portfolio underscore its status as a leading player in the private equity landscape.
3. Apollo Global Management
• CEO: Marc Rowan
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Employees: Approximately 2,500
• Founded: 1990
Apollo Global Management is a leading alternative asset manager with a global presence. With over US$548bn in assets under management, the firm invests across credit, private equity and real assets. Apollo is renowned for its value-oriented approach and flexible investment strategies. The firm's flagship private equity fund closed at US$20bn in 2023. Apollo has completed numerous high-profile acquisitions and maintains offices in 26 cities worldwide. Known for its expertise in distressed investments, Apollo has expanded its reach to include secondaries and launched a dedicated fund in 2022 with US$4bn in commitments.
2. KKR & Co. Inc.
• CEO: Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall (Co-CEOs)
• Revenue: US$1.865bn (2017)
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Employees: 4,490 (as of 2023)
• Founded: 1976
KKR & Co., a pioneering global investment firm known for leveraged buyouts, manages US$553bn in assets across private equity, real assets, and credit sectors. Having executed over 280 private equity investments, including the landmark RJR Nabisco acquisition, KKR operates from offices in 16 countries. Since going public in 2010, the firm has expanded beyond traditional private equity into real estate and infrastructure, with investments now spanning 20 industries worldwide.
1: The Blackstone Group Inc.
• CEO: Stephen A. Schwarzman
• Revenue: Not publicly disclosed
• Headquarters: New York City, USA
• Employees: Over 4,000
• Founded: 1985
The Blackstone Group, managing over US$1tn in assets, stands as the world's largest alternative asset manager. The firm operates across private equity, real estate, credit strategies and hedge fund solutions. Known for its value creation approach and operational expertise, Blackstone leverages its global network of industry advisors to execute high-profile acquisitions in sectors ranging from technology to hospitality. Its comprehensive investment platform combines strategic insight with extensive market reach.
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