Ardian, a global private investment leader, has successfully raised $3.2 billion for its sixth-generation Co-Investment platform, Ardian Co-Investment Fund VI.
This includes commitments from the Fund itself and mandates from Ardian Customized Solutions.
Substantial Increase Compared to Previous Fund:
The new fund represents a remarkable 23% increase in funds raised compared to Ardian’s fifth-generation Co-Investment Fund in 2019, highlighting the growing appeal of co-investment strategies.
Fund VI attracted participation from 188 investors worldwide, spanning Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia. This diverse investor base comprises pension funds, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds, with a notable increase in interest from HNWIs.
Building on Established Co-Investment Strategy:
Ardian’s Co-Investment strategy offers investors access to minority stakes in companies alongside top-tier private equity sponsors. General partners (GPs) value Ardian’s scale, expertise, local presence, and collaborative approach, often inviting Ardian to co-underwrite transactions.
Fund VI investments are diversified across various strategies, industries, company sizes, GPs, and geographies, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ardian leverages its market-leading Secondaries and Primaries platform, with extensive reach in North America and a network of over 600 GPs, to source unique investment opportunities.
Successful Early Investments:
The Fund has already invested approximately 40% of its capital through 18 transactions. Notable investments include Potter Global Technologies, a leading fire and life safety equipment manufacturer in the US, alongside KKR, and Schwind, a prominent provider of eye laser systems, alongside Adagia Partners.
Track Record and Market Attractiveness:
Alexandre Motte, Co-head of Co-Investment at Ardian, attributes the successful fundraising to Ardian’s strong track record in delivering returns from co-investment and the asset class’s appeal for providing stable returns, especially in challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Investors are drawn to the diversification and cost advantages offered by Ardian’s strategy, which provides exposure to a well-balanced portfolio alongside top-tier GPs.
North American Co-Investment Opportunities:
Patrick Kocsi, Co-head of Co-Investment at Ardian, highlights the increasing demand for co-investors as private markets mature and deal sizes grow.
He emphasizes Ardian’s proven track record in identifying top-quartile deals from US and Canadian GPs, leveraging their extensive network and expertise in North America. Kocsi anticipates continued growth in compelling co-investment opportunities, both in Europe and North America.
About Ardian:
Ardian is a global private investment powerhouse, managing or advising $166 billion in assets for over 1,600 clients worldwide. With expertise in Private Equity, Real Assets, and Credit, Ardian offers a diverse range of investment opportunities to meet clients’ needs. Ardian Customized Solutions creates bespoke portfolios for institutional clients, while Private Wealth Solutions caters to private banks, family offices, and private institutional investors. Ardian’s employee-centric culture and commitment to responsible investment principles drive its collaborative and socially responsible approach.