– Sagard Private Equity closed its third emerging manager-focused fund at €520 million ($600 million), exceeding its €400 million target and reaching approximately three times the size of its predecessor.
– The fund is the largest ever raised specifically targeting emerging buyout managers.
– The strategy draws on more than 30 years of experience, having backed over 125 emerging managers, including firms that have since become established industry leaders.
– Following the combination of Unigestion and Sagard Private Equity, the platform benefits from an expanded international network and local market expertise across North America, Europe and Asia.
– The fund targets highly differentiated managers, including spinouts from established private equity firms and sector specialists pursuing distinctive investment strategies.
– Beyond primary fund commitments, the strategy can invest in co-investments, late primaries and shorter-duration opportunities to support diversification and cash flow management.
– The fund is already well deployed, with commitments to emerging manager opportunities in the US and Europe.
– Kim Pochon, Global Head of Primary Investments, highlighted investor confidence in the specialist team, its disciplined selection process and strong local networks.
– Paul Newsome, Head of Investment Solutions, noted renewed institutional investor interest in emerging managers, driven by their sector expertise, differentiated strategies and access to lower middle-market opportunities.
