Top 12 Private Equity Firm Investors in Europe
Top 12 Private Equity Firm Investors in Europe
The private equity firms industry in Europe plays a critical role in transforming businesses and capitalizing on investment opportunities. Filled with various players—from established institutions to niche venture capitalists—these firms offer strategic funding, advisory expertise, and operational support to drive company growth. The industry has seen a noticeable shift towards technology-driven investments and a greater focus on sustainability and social responsibility. With a growing appetite for innovative solutions, investors aim to harness emerging trends and markets, making their mark on the European financial ecosystem.
This list features a selection of 12 notable investors in the European private equity sector. They range from corporate entities like Accenture to venture firms such as Bpifrance. Based in key financial centers like London and Paris, these investors vary in size and history, with both established giants and newer players contributing to the industry. In 2024, these firms collectively executed a substantial number of deals—over 370, showcasing their active engagement in fostering growth and driving value across a variety of sectors.
Top 12 Private Equity Firms Investors in Europe
1. Accenture
- Website: accenture.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 51
- LinkedIn: accenture
Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, Accenture has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and has made significant strides in various sectors, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. In recent years, Accenture has actively pursued acquisitions to bolster its service offerings and market position. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Concentric Partners LLC in October 2023, which enhances its consulting capabilities, and previous acquisitions such as Tquila in May 2015, Glamit in October 2021, Industrie&Co in May 2021, and Strongbow Consulting Group in July 2023. These acquisitions reflect Accenture's strategy to integrate innovative firms into its portfolio, thereby enhancing its advisory and technology services, which is a hallmark of private equity investment activity.
2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération
- Website: bpifrance.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 198
- LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally by offering a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Cobepa in May 2024, showcasing its commitment to private equity. Additionally, it has participated in various funding rounds, including investments in companies like Algonquin Management Partners and Oderis, further solidifying its role in the private equity landscape.
3. Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland)
- Website: apexgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: apex-fund-services-ireland-ltd-
Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland) is a prominent financial services provider based in London, England, founded in 2003. The firm offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including fund administration, regulatory compliance, and digital banking services, primarily serving asset managers, corporates, family offices, and financial institutions. In recent years, Apex has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities within the private equity and alternative investment sectors through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of SandsPoint Capital Advisors, which specializes in advisory services for alternative asset managers, and FTS, a tax services firm focused on the Alternative Investment and Family Office sectors. These acquisitions not only enhance Apex's service offerings but also significantly increase their assets under administration, positioning them as a key player in the private equity landscape.
4. Deutsche Bank
- Website: db.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
- Founded year: 1870
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 32
- LinkedIn: deutsche-bank
Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, it offers a comprehensive range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Deutsche Bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the private equity context, such as the acquisition of British stockbroker Numis for £410 million, which reflects its strategic interest in expanding its investment capabilities. Additionally, Deutsche Bank has facilitated significant debt financing for various firms, including Veritas Capital, Mirae Asset, and Capital Southwest Corporation, showcasing its active role in providing financial support to companies that may be involved in private equity activities.
5. Cvc
- Website: cvc.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Luxembourg
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 16
- LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners
CVC Capital Partners is an investment firm founded in 2005, headquartered in Luxembourg, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, focusing on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Alix Partners in 2012, which expanded their consulting capabilities, and the acquisition of Glendower Capital in 2021, enhancing their secondaries platform to meet growing market demand. Additionally, CVC's recent acquisition of a majority stake in DIF Capital Partners for €1 billion in 2023 further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their infrastructure investment capabilities, showcasing their active role in the private equity sector.
6. Proparco
- Website: proparco.fr
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 19
- LinkedIn: proparco
Proparco is a not-for-profit development finance institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1977. It supports economic growth in developing countries by providing financial tools, investment funds, and technical assistance to businesses and financial institutions. Proparco focuses on sectors such as agriculture, health, and infrastructure, aiming to enhance private sector contributions to sustainable development. Notably, Proparco has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to private equity, including a joint financing effort for Kasada, a private equity platform that secured $49.5 million to renovate and expand the Crowne Plaza hotel. Additionally, Proparco participated in funding rounds for Quadria Capital and Africa Finance Corporation, further illustrating its active role in the private equity landscape.
7. Permira
- Website: permira.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: permira
Permira is a prominent investment firm based in London, England, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, the firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Duff & Phelps, a global valuation and corporate finance advisor, for $1.75 billion, showcasing their capability in executing large-scale private equity deals. Additionally, their investment in AltamarCAM Partners highlights their active role in the GP stakes market. With a focus on transforming businesses into market leaders, Permira continues to be a significant player in the private equity industry.
8. Tikehau Capital
- Website: tikehaucapital.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: tikehau-investment-management
Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in alternative asset management and offers a diverse range of services, including private equity, private debt, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital caters to a wide array of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has participated in significant transactions relevant to the private equity sector, such as the investment in Duke Street during a private equity round in 2013, and its strategic funding of Helicap in 2022, which highlights its commitment to supporting innovative companies in various stages of growth. Additionally, the firm has engaged in venture rounds, further showcasing its versatility and active role in the investment landscape.
9. BlackFin Capital Partners
- Website: blackfin.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: blackfin-capital-partners
BlackFin Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investments in the financial services sector, particularly in asset-light buyouts and FinTech companies. BlackFin provides investment management and advisory services to businesses seeking capital and operational expertise. With a strong presence across Europe, the firm aims to create operational value and support the growth of its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of CIR Group in March 2022, the acquisition of IBS Capital Allies, a leading independent wealth manager in the Netherlands, announced in December 2024, and the acquisition of Fundrock in December 2015. These transactions highlight BlackFin's active role in the private equity space, particularly within the financial services sector.
10. Partners Group
- Website: partnersgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 19
- LinkedIn: partners-group
Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt, offering a range of investment solutions to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors. With over USD 149 billion in assets under management, Partners Group is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Recently, they have been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of a minority stake in Trinity Investments, targeting an initial investment of $500 million to support growth in the hospitality sector. Additionally, they acquired Empira, a real estate investment management firm, to enhance their exposure to real estate credit. Their strategic investments in companies like Citivale, a developer specializing in logistics and light industrial assets, further illustrate their active role in the private equity landscape.
11. Pollen Street Capital
- Website: pollenstreetgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2013
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 9
- LinkedIn: pollen-street-capital
Pollen Street Capital is a London-based investment firm founded in 2013, specializing in private equity and credit within the financial services sector. The firm partners with innovative businesses to provide capital and strategic insights, focusing on sectors such as lending, insurance, and technology-enabled services. Pollen Street Capital has been actively involved in various transactions, including private equity rounds for Arrow Global and Allied London Properties, showcasing their commitment to investing in growth-oriented companies. In addition to private equity, they have also engaged in debt financing, as seen in their recent transactions with Kingswood and Fundu, indicating a diverse investment strategy that still centers around the financial services industry.
12. Schroders
- Website: schroders.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1804
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: schroders
Schroders plc is a prominent asset management firm based in London, England, founded in 1804. The firm provides a comprehensive range of investment management and wealth management services, catering to high net worth individuals, family offices, and financial advisers. With a global presence, Schroders focuses on delivering sustainable returns and addressing the complexities of investment management. In recent years, Schroders has made significant strides in the private equity sector, highlighted by key acquisitions such as Pamfleet Group for $1.1 billion, which underscores their commitment to expanding their investment portfolio. Additionally, their acquisition of a majority stake in BlueOrchard Finance reflects their dedication to impact investing and sustainability. The acquisition of Sandaire for £2 billion further illustrates their strategy to enhance wealth management services, while the acquisition of Cazenove Capital Group for £394 million has bolstered their assets under management. These transactions indicate Schroders' active role in the private equity landscape, making them a relevant player in this investment category.
Private Equity Firms Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Accenture | Dublin, Dublin, Ireland | 10001+ | 2001 | 51 |
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2015 | 198 |
Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland) | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 2003 | 6 |
Deutsche Bank | Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany | 10001+ | 1870 | 32 |
Cvc | Luxembourg | 1001-5000 | 2005 | 16 |
Proparco | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 201-500 | 1977 | 19 |
Permira | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 501-1000 | 1985 | 8 |
Tikehau Capital | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 501-1000 | 2004 | 6 |
BlackFin Capital Partners | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 11-50 | 2009 | 5 |
Partners Group | Baar, Zug, Switzerland | 1001-5000 | 1996 | 19 |
Pollen Street Capital | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2013 | 9 |
Schroders | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 5001-10000 | 1804 | 4 |
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