List of Private Equity Firms in UK

Private equity firms in the UK are investment companies that buy, manage, and grow private businesses (those not listed on the stock market). They typically invest in established companies with the goal of improving their performance and increasing their value over time.

These firms often provide both capital and strategic support, helping businesses expand, become more efficient, or prepare for a sale or public offering. The UK is home to many well-known private equity firms, such as CVC Capital Partners, Permira, and Bridgepoint and plays a major role in the European private equity market.

Top Private Equity Firms in UK

Here’s are the list of some private equity firms in UK

Blackstone

Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative investment firm, managing over $1.1 trillion in assets. It invests in areas like real estate, private equity, credit, hedge funds, infrastructure, and more.

Blackstone helps both big institutions and individual investors grow their money by investing in and improving companies and projects around the world. Their goal is to deliver strong returns while building stronger businesses and assets.

CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners is a global investment firm that focuses on private equity, credit, infrastructure, and secondaries. It manages around €202 billion in assets and works with major investors like pension funds.

Founded in 1981 and based in Jersey, CVC has offices in 30 locations worldwide. Over the years, it has made more than 300 investments in different industries and countries, aiming to build long-term value in the companies it supports.

Bain Capital

Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms, founded in 1984. It manages about $185 billion in assets and invests in many areas, including private equity, venture capital, credit, public markets, and real estate.

Bain Capital works closely with business leaders to help companies grow and improve. They focus on creating long-term value through smart strategies and hands-on support. Known for their collaborative approach, Bain Capital has a global presence and deep experience across different industries and regions. Their goal is to make a positive impact for investors, companies, and communities.

Permira

Permira is a global investment firm that supports growing businesses by investing in private equity and credit. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds with about €80 billion in committed capital.

Permira focuses on companies in four main areas: technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Their private equity funds make both big (majority) and smaller (minority) investments for the long term. Their credit funds offer flexible financing to help businesses grow. With over 500 employees, Permira has offices across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Actis Capital

Actis is a global investment firm that focuses on building and investing in sustainable infrastructure, especially in energy, real estate, and other essential services. They mainly invest in fast-growing regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aiming to create both strong financial returns and positive impact for local communities.

For over 20 years, Actis has been one of the largest investors in sustainable infrastructure. In January 2024, the firm was acquired by General Atlantic. Actis continues to support long-term projects that bring value to investors and improve lives in the regions where they operate.

Conclusion

Private equity firms in the UK play a key role in driving business growth, innovation, and job creation. By investing in a wide range of industries from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and consumer goods these firms provide not just capital but also strategic support to help companies scale and succeed. Firms like CVC Capital Partners, Permira, Bain Capital and Actis highlight the UK’s strong presence in the global private equity landscape. With deep industry expertise and a focus on long-term value creation, UK-based private equity firms continue to attract international investors and play a vital role in shaping the future of business both in the UK and around the world.

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