Partners Group
Partners Group Holding AG is a Switzerland-based global investment management firm specializing in private markets, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, private credit, and royalties.[1][2] Founded in 1996 in Zug by Marcel Erni, Alfred Gantner, and Urs Wietlisbach—former colleagues at Goldman Sachs—the firm initially focused on private equity investments and secondary transactions, launching its first listed private equity fund in 1997.[3] The company has grown into one of the largest players in alternative assets, managing USD 174 billion in assets under management as of the first half of 2025 and having deployed over USD 244 billion in capital since inception on behalf of institutional and private clients worldwide.[4][1] It employs around 1,800 professionals across offices in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, emphasizing direct investments, primaries, and secondaries with an entrepreneurial approach to value creation.[5] Partners Group listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in 2006, marking an early public listing among private markets firms, and surpassed USD 100 billion in assets under management by 2020.[3]History
Founding and early development (1996–2005)
Partners Group was established in 1996 in Zug, Switzerland, by Marcel Erni, Alfred Gantner, and Urs Wietlisbach, who had previously worked together at Goldman Sachs in Zurich.[3][6] The founders sought to create an independent investment manager specializing in private markets, with an initial emphasis on private equity through a partner-led approach that prioritized direct sourcing, rigorous analysis, and active value creation.[3][7] In 1997, the firm launched its inaugural listed private equity funds, domiciled in Luxembourg and Switzerland, marking early efforts to provide institutional investors with accessible private equity exposure via listed vehicles.[3] This was followed in 1998 by the completion of Switzerland's largest private equity secondary transaction at the time, which involved acquiring a portfolio of existing private equity interests to accelerate the firm's track record in secondaries.[3] By 1999, Partners Group diversified into direct investments, executing its first deals in private equity, real estate, and mezzanine financing, thereby broadening its asset class coverage beyond secondaries.[3] The early 2000s saw initial international expansion and product innovation. In 2000, the firm opened its first overseas office in New York and made its debut investments in Asia and Latin America, signaling a shift toward global deal sourcing.[3] In 2001, it introduced its first evergreen private markets fund, designed for long-term capital commitment without fixed-term redemption pressures, appealing to investors seeking perpetual exposure to illiquid assets.[3] By 2004, Partners Group established a presence in Singapore and completed its initial private infrastructure investment, further extending its reach into emerging asset classes amid growing demand for diversified private markets strategies.[3] These developments positioned the firm for sustained growth, with assets under management expanding steadily through proprietary deal flow and client inflows prior to its public listing.[3][7]Initial public offering and consolidation (2006–2010)
Partners Group Holding AG conducted its initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange on March 24, 2006, becoming one of the first private markets investment managers to list publicly.[3] The shares were priced at CHF 63 each but closed the first trading day at CHF 84, reflecting a 33% premium driven by strong investor demand for exposure to the firm's private equity and alternative assets strategies.[8] This listing provided capital for operational expansion and marked a transition from founder-led growth to broader institutional ownership, with assets under management (AuM) rising nearly 60% in 2006 amid favorable private equity market conditions.[9] The IPO proceeds supported the launch of successor funds in private equity and debt, as outlined in the firm's 2006 annual report.[10] Post-IPO, the firm consolidated its position through targeted fundraisings and product diversification. In 2006, Partners Group closed its Direct Investments 2006 fund at EUR 500 million and the US Venture 2006 fund at USD 250 million, enhancing its direct investment and venture capabilities.[11] By 2007, the company reported outstanding financial results, building on the public listing to strengthen its platform amid a robust pre-crisis environment.[12] In 2008, bespoke mandate solutions accelerated with significant client commitments, and the firm committed to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, signaling a focus on customized, long-term client partnerships during emerging market volatility.[3] The 2008-2009 global financial crisis tested the firm's resilience, yet it maintained stable revenues and EBITDA in the first half of 2009, reconfirming full-year fundraising targets of CHF 3-4 billion after securing CHF 1.4 billion in inflows.[13] A key innovation was the 2009 launch of the industry's first U.S. evergreen private equity fund compliant with the Investment Company Act of 1940, providing retail and institutional investors with perpetual access to private markets amid liquidity constraints in traditional funds.[3] This period emphasized internal consolidation, with emphasis on risk management and diversified strategies to weather downturns. By 2010, Partners Group demonstrated recovery and growth, closing its inaugural fund dedicated to the flagship private equity buyout strategy at its hard cap and opening a Dubai office to extend bespoke solutions into the Middle East.[3] AuM expanded 24% to EUR 21.4 billion, fueled by EUR 4 billion in net new money, while revenues increased 16% and adjusted net profit reached CHF 302 million, underscoring effective post-crisis positioning.[14][15]International expansion (2011–2020)
In 2011, Partners Group opened an office in São Paulo, Brazil, marking its entry into Latin America to facilitate transformational investing and customized client solutions in the region.[3] This move supported the firm's strategy to diversify beyond Europe amid growing global demand for private markets investments, with new client inflows reaching EUR 4.2 billion that year.[16] The expansion accelerated in Asia and North America later in the decade. In 2016, the firm established a hub office in Manila, Philippines, to bolster its Asian operations and attract regional talent and clients.[3] [17] By 2019, Partners Group opened its Americas headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, near Denver, and a dedicated office in Toronto, Canada, enhancing proximity to North American investors and portfolio companies.[3] These offices contributed to a stronger regional presence, building on earlier U.S. entry in 2000. Parallel to geographical growth, assets under management expanded markedly, from EUR 31.6 billion in 2013 to EUR 46 billion by the end of 2015—a 22% annual increase driven by client inflows and performance.[18] [19] By 2020, AuM surpassed USD 100 billion, underscoring the success of international initiatives amid favorable private markets conditions.[3] In 2015, the launch of private markets products for defined contribution pensions in the U.S., U.K., and Australia further extended the firm's global reach.[3]Recent growth and adaptations (2021–present)
Since 2021, Partners Group has sustained robust assets under management (AuM) growth, expanding from USD 111 billion at year-end 2021 to USD 174 billion as of June 30, 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate exceeding 10% amid volatile private markets.[20][21] This expansion was fueled by consistent fundraising, including USD 12 billion in new commitments during the first half of 2025 alone, and strategic inflows from diversified client bases seeking exposure to private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.[22] The firm closed its fourth private equity buyout program with USD 15 billion in commitments in September 2021, marking a key milestone in scaling direct investment capabilities.[23] Financial performance underscored this trajectory, with profit rising 14% to CHF 578 million in the first half of 2025, driven by a 94% surge in performance fees to CHF 314 million from accelerated portfolio exits in private equity and real estate despite elevated interest rates.[21][24] Management fees grew 5% year-on-year to CHF 854 million in the same period, supported by stable fee-paying AuM and a pipeline of mature assets ripe for realization.[21] In 2024, the firm invested USD 3.7 billion in direct private equity and USD 1.4 billion in direct infrastructure, capitalizing on market dislocations to acquire undervalued assets.[25] Geographic and product expansions accelerated, including the January 2025 acquisition of Empira Group, which added USD 4 billion in AuM and bolstered real estate capabilities through a consolidating market.[26][27] The firm deepened U.S. presence via a September 2024 partnership with BlackRock to launch model portfolio solutions for retail investors, enhancing distribution of private markets access.[28] It also extended growth equity strategies into technology and healthcare, exemplified by investments like a March 2025 stake in Darwinbox, while pursuing opportunities in emerging markets such as a July 2025 majority stake in India's Infinity Fincorp Solutions.[29][30] In 2024, Partners Group introduced its fifth asset class to diversify beyond traditional private equity, infrastructure, real estate, private credit, and debt, aiming to capture evolving investor demands for broader private markets exposure.[27] Adaptations to a higher-rate, lower-growth environment included fee structure reforms announced in February 2025, shifting management fees toward net asset value (NAV) bases and elevating performance hurdles to better align with investor preferences in a maturing cycle.[31][32] The firm emphasized "giga-themes" like digitalization, decarbonization, and new living patterns to drive returns less reliant on macroeconomic tailwinds, as outlined in its 2025 Private Markets Outlook, which described a "brave new world" necessitating resilience amid regulatory shifts and fiscal uncertainties.[33][34] These measures, coupled with enhanced value creation in controlled assets via operational improvements, positioned Partners Group to navigate exit challenges while prioritizing direct investments over secondaries.[35][36]Business Operations
Core investment areas
Partners Group primarily invests in private markets across private equity, infrastructure, private credit, and real estate, applying a thematic approach that targets transformative global trends while employing an industrial mindset to drive operational improvements and long-term value creation in portfolio assets.[37][38] This focus enables the firm to manage diversified programs, including direct investments, primaries, and secondaries, with over USD 244 billion committed globally since its founding in 1996.[1] In private equity, the firm pursues transformational strategies by partnering with management teams to unlock value through entrepreneurial governance and strategic initiatives, concentrating on high-conviction sub-sectors within four verticals: technology, health and life sciences, goods and products, and services, all aligned with resilient long-term economic trends.[39] Investments span primary commitments to established managers, early secondary portfolio acquisitions, and direct co-ownership stakes, supported by a network of over 200 operating directors and industry advisors to enhance portfolio company performance.[39][38] The infrastructure arm emphasizes next-generation assets, such as digital and renewable energy infrastructure, via a disciplined thematic strategy aimed at building resilient portfolios; as of recent reports, Partners Group has invested USD 34 billion across more than 80 direct deals, including facilities like EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure and Exus Renewables North America.[40] Real estate investments leverage a global platform with regional teams to capitalize on thematic growth opportunities, such as demographic shifts and urbanization, through targeted acquisitions and developments that prioritize income generation and capital appreciation.[41] Private credit forms another pillar, offering lending solutions to mid-market companies and infrastructure projects, often as part of multi-asset mandates that complement equity exposures with yield-focused, lower-volatility returns.[37] Across these areas, the firm integrates secondaries and royalties selectively to enhance portfolio diversification and liquidity.[42]Investment strategies and products
Partners Group pursues a thematic investing strategy that identifies transformative global trends to target high-conviction opportunities across asset classes, employing an industrial and entrepreneurial mindset to foster active management and long-term value creation.[38] The firm integrates operational expertise through entrepreneurial governance, leveraging a network of over 200 operating directors and advisors to transform portfolio companies and assets into market leaders, distinguishing itself from passive investment models by emphasizing hands-on involvement in sourcing, execution, and exits.[38] This approach spans primary direct investments, secondaries, and co-investments, with a focus on resilient, growth-oriented assets.[39] The core asset classes encompass private equity, infrastructure, private credit, real estate, and royalties, with investment programs designed to deliver diversified exposure through commingled funds and customized solutions.[37] In private equity, strategies target sub-sectors within technology, health and life sciences, goods and products, and services, driven by proprietary thematic research; value is unlocked via strategic plans co-developed with management teams, including expansions, operational enhancements, and leveraging general partner networks for ownership stakes.[39] The firm has expanded its growth equity focus, particularly in healthcare and technology, deploying approximately USD 2.5 billion as of November 2024 to support scaling companies.[43] Infrastructure investments emphasize next-generation platforms aligned with secular trends such as digitalization and energy transition, prioritizing assets with strong foundational characteristics for risk-adjusted returns and downside mitigation.[40] Portfolios are built thematically to enhance resilience, incorporating sustainability initiatives and active operational engagement, as exemplified by platforms like Life Cycle Power for renewable energy and EdgeCore for digital infrastructure.[40] Private credit and real estate strategies complement these by providing income-oriented and property-backed exposures, while the recently introduced royalties asset class targets cross-sector streams in pharmaceuticals, media, and intellectual property for uncorrelated returns.[37] Product offerings include closed-end funds in limited partnership structures for targeted asset class exposure, evergreen vehicles like the Partners Group Global Value SICAV and Next Generation Infrastructure fund (which reached USD 1 billion in commitments by October 2025) offering monthly liquidity and lower entry thresholds for broader investor access, and European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs) such as the Private Equity Opportunities program for regulated long-horizon investing.[37] [40] Customized mandates provide tailored multi-asset portfolios with dedicated reporting, while defined contribution solutions and liquid private markets products, including listed private equity strategies, cater to pension funds and high-net-worth individuals seeking varying liquidity profiles.[37] Permanent capital vehicles, such as the London Stock Exchange-listed Partners Group Private Equity Limited, enable ongoing capital deployment without fixed fund lifecycles.[37] These products serve institutional investors, private banks, and qualified individuals, with an emphasis on regulatory compliance and alignment with client-specific risk-return objectives.[37]Leadership and Governance
Executive team
The executive team of Partners Group comprises nine partners who oversee the firm's core strategic pillars, including clients, investments, corporate functions, and operations, reporting to the global executive board.[44] These leaders, based across Zug (Switzerland), London, Singapore, and Colorado, collectively possess extensive private markets experience ranging from 18 to 37 years.[44] David Layton serves as Partner and Chief Executive Officer, having previously led the private equity division; he holds a degree from Brigham Young University.[44] Juri Jenkner is Partner, President, and Co-Head of Investments, a role expanded in January 2024 to include oversight of investment activities; he joined in 2004 with a degree from the Lorange Institute of Business.[44] [45] Other key members include Sarah Brewer, Partner and Global Head of Client Solutions (joined 2008, University of Oxford graduate); Roberto Cagnati, Partner, Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Portfolio Solutions (joined 2004, University of Konstanz degree); Joris Gröflin, Partner and Chief Financial Officer overseeing finance, treasury, and HR (joined 2024, University of St. Gallen degrees); Andreas Knecht, Partner and Group General Counsel (joined 2009, University of Zurich and NYU degrees); Michael Marquardt, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Business Services (Boston University MBA); Wolf-Henning Scheider, Partner, Co-Head of Investments, and Head of Private Equity (Saarland University and RWTH Aachen degrees); and Esther Peiner, Partner and Head of Private Infrastructure (joined executive team January 2024, Maastricht University degree).[44] [45]| Name | Position | Location/Base |
|---|---|---|
| David Layton | Partner, Chief Executive Officer | Colorado/Zug |
| Juri Jenkner | Partner, President and Co-Head of Investments | Zug |
| Sarah Brewer | Partner, Global Head Client Solutions | London |
| Roberto Cagnati | Partner, Chief Risk Officer, Head Portfolio Solutions | Zug |
| Joris Gröflin | Partner, Chief Financial Officer | Zug |
| Andreas Knecht | Partner, Group General Counsel | Zug |
| Michael Marquardt | Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Head Business Services | Singapore |
| Wolf-Henning Scheider | Partner, Co-Head Investments, Head Private Equity | Zug |
| Esther Peiner | Partner, Head Private Infrastructure | Zug |
Board of directors
The Board of Directors of Partners Group Holding AG, elected at the 2025 Annual General Meeting for terms expiring in 2026, comprises eight members: three co-founders as executive directors, the executive chairman, and four independent directors.[46][47] The board oversees the company's strategy, investment oversight, client relations, and risk management through specialized committees, including the Investment Oversight Committee, Client Oversight Committee, Operations Oversight Committee, Risk & Audit Committee, and Nomination & Compensation Committee.[46] Steffen Meister serves as Executive Chairman, with Gaëlle Olivier as Lead Independent Director.[47]| Member | Role | Joined Board | Key Background and Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steffen Meister | Executive Chairman | 2013 | Partner since 2000; former CEO (2005–2013); expertise in private equity; previously at Credit Suisse; holds Master's in Mathematics from ETH Zurich. Chairs Investment Oversight and Corporate Development Committees.[44][46] |
| Urban Angehrn | Independent Member | 2025 | Former CEO of FINMA (2021–2023) and Group Chief Investment Officer at Zurich Insurance (2015–2021); over 32 years in finance; holds PhD in mathematics from Harvard University. Serves on Risk & Audit and Operations Oversight Committees.[44][46] |
| Dr. Marcel Erni | Executive Member (Co-Founder) | 1997 | Co-founder; former Chief Investment Officer (until 2017); previously at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey; holds MBA from University of Chicago and PhD from University of St. Gallen. Member of Investment Oversight Committee.[44][46] |
| Alfred Gantner | Executive Member (Co-Founder) | 1997 | Co-founder; former CEO (1996–2005) and Executive Chairman (2005–2014); previously at Goldman Sachs; holds MBA from Brigham Young University. Member of Investment Oversight Committee.[44][46] |
| Anne Lester | Independent Member | 2022 | 32 years at JP Morgan Asset Management, focusing on defined contribution pensions; holds degrees from Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University. Serves on Nomination & Compensation, Risk & Audit, and Corporate Development Committees.[44][46] |
| Gaëlle Olivier | Independent Member (Lead Independent Director) | 2023 | 31 years in financial services; former CEO of AXA Group's Property & Casualty and COO at Société Générale; chairs Operations Oversight and Risk & Audit Committees; also on Nomination & Compensation Committee.[44][46][47] |
| Urs Wietlisbach | Executive Member (Co-Founder) | 1997 | Co-founder; over 32 years in finance; previously at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse; holds MBA from University of St. Gallen. Chairs Client Oversight Committee.[44][46] |
| Flora Zhao | Independent Member (Chairwoman, Nomination & Compensation Committee) | 2022 | 32 years in energy infrastructure and Fortune 500 companies; former President of Gas Asia at BP and Senior Advisor at Temasek International; holds degrees from Zhejiang University and University of Maryland. Also on Investment Oversight Committee.[44][46][47] |
Performance and Financials
Key financial metrics
As of December 31, 2024, Partners Group Holding AG managed assets under management (AuM) totaling USD 152.3 billion, encompassing private equity, private debt, infrastructure, and real estate investments across its platform.[48] This figure represented organic growth supplemented by client inflows of USD 22 billion during the year, offset by outflows and currency effects.[48] For the full fiscal year 2024, the company generated revenue of CHF 2.12 billion, a 9.29% increase from CHF 1.94 billion in 2023, primarily from management and performance fees.[49] Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached CHF 1,357 million, supporting an operating margin exceeding 50%.[48] Net profit attributable to shareholders was CHF 1,128 million, yielding a profit margin of approximately 51.59%.[48][50] In the first half of 2025 (ended June 30), AuM expanded to USD 174 billion, a 17% year-over-year increase driven by net new money of USD 10 billion and positive investment performance.[21] Total revenues grew 20% to CHF 1,168 million compared to H1 2024, with management fees stable at CHF 689 million and performance fees contributing CHF 325 million amid realizations in private markets.[21] Net profit rose 14% to CHF 578 million, maintaining profitability above 49% on revenues.[21] Key metrics highlight the firm's fee-based revenue model, with recurring management fees comprising over 60% of H1 2025 revenues and a revenue margin of 1.69% on AuM.[21] Return on assets stood at 15.91% trailing twelve months as of mid-2025, reflecting efficient capital deployment in a high-interest-rate environment.[51]| Metric | FY 2024 (CHF million, unless noted) | H1 2025 (CHF million, unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| AuM (USD billion) | 152.3 | 174 |
| Revenue | 2,120 | 1,168 |
| EBITDA | 1,357 | N/A |
| Net Profit | 1,128 | 578 |
| Profit Margin (%) | 51.59 | ~49.5 |
Notable achievements and returns
Partners Group achieved significant assets under management (AUM) growth, reaching USD 152.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, a 4% increase from USD 146.9 billion in 2023, driven by USD 21.5 billion in new client commitments, including record fundraising for evergreen private wealth funds.[48] By June 30, 2025, AUM expanded to USD 174.4 billion following USD 12 billion in first-half client demand.[33] Investment activity surged 66% year-over-year to USD 22 billion in new investments, while realizations rose 53% to USD 17.7 billion, supporting elevated performance fee revenues of CHF 510.5 million, up 38% from 2023.[48] Financial performance reflected operational strength, with revenues increasing 10% to CHF 2,136 million and EBITDA rising 10% to CHF 1,357 million in 2024, yielding a 63.6% margin.[48] Profit for the period grew 12.4% to CHF 1,127.7 million, enabling an 8% dividend increase to CHF 42.00 per share.[48] The firm has received multiple industry awards, including recognitions from Private Equity International (PEI), Private Equity Asia, and Private Equity Real Estate for fund-of-funds and regional leadership.[52] Portfolio returns demonstrate consistent outperformance across asset classes, with net internal rates of return (IRR) and total value to paid-in (TVPI) multiples calculated since inception as of December 31, 2024:| Asset Class | Net IRR (%) | Net TVPI (x) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Equity | 21.6 | 2.5 |
| Infrastructure | 22.6 | 2.1 |
| Real Estate | 10.0 | 1.4 |
| Private Credit | 6.9 | 1.2 |
| Royalties | 11.5 | 1.1 |