Looking at the Top Private Equity Firms in 2016

February 7, 2017

Every year, Pitchbook – a provider of private equity dealflow data – provides a look at the top private equity firms according to various characteristics.  Here’s a review.

Most Active U.S. Firms

Before looking at Pitchbook’s figures, which firm would you guess comes out on top in the number of deals in 2016?  Interestingly, it’s probably not one of the ones you’re thinking of.  On top in 2016 was Audax Group, having been involved in 72 deals.

Other top active investor firms include ABRY Partners at 59, HarbourVest Partners at 54, GTCR at 38, and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts at 37.

1mostactiveus Source: Pitchbook

Most Active European Firms

What about Europe?  Which private equity firm would you guess comes out on top?  Perhaps a firm based in Germany, the economic leader of the EU – or perhaps Spain or France, where growth is more needed and people are a little more accepting of risk.  Here’s the view.

Interesting, the top private equity firm in Europe for the number of deals was BPIFrance at 62.  The remaining members of the top 5 include the Business Growth Fund at 50, the Ardian Holding at 40, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts at 35, and Carlyle Group at 28.

2europe Source: Pitchbook

Most Active Large Private Equity Firms

Let’s shift our attention to the large firms – firms with $5 billion or more in assets under management. Which firms would you guess come out on top?  Here’ s the list.

Interestingly, the most active firm with assets under management of $5 billion or more was Audax Group at 84.  Other members of the top 5 include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts at 83, ABRY Partners at 81, the Carlyle Group at 74, and BPIFrance at 66.

3MostActive Source: Pitchbook

Most Active Small Private Equity Firms

Now to the smaller firms – the most active private equity firms with less than $250 million in assets under management. This list is probably much more difficult to guess.  Here’s the look.

Interestingly (bet you didn’t guess this one), the most active small private equity investing firm in 2016 was MCapital Partners, having been involved in 22 deals.

Other members of the top 5 include Tecum Capital Management at 14, Sodero Gestion at 13, Ouest Croissance at 12, and Shore Capital Partners at 10.

Did you get any of them?

4ActiveSmall Source: Pitchbook

Last One: Top Dealmakers in the Private Equity Buyout Space

One last challenge – can you guess the top dealmakers in the private equity buyout space?  Guess now, because here’s the list.

Interestingly, on top is BPIFrance at 26.  Other top 5 2016 buyout firms include the Carlyle Group at 20, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts at 16, Ardian Holding at 16, and EQT Partners at 13.

5Buyouts Source: Pitchbook

Conclusion

There’s lot of shifting pieces in the world of private equity.  Contained herein was a look at the top private equity dealmaking firms in 2016.

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