EQT launches new fund for the Asia-Pacific region
The Swedish investment company EQT has announced the launch of a new private equity fund focused on the Asian market. According to EQT’s plans, the financing round will last until the end of 2025. To date, the BPEA IX fund has raised US$11.4 billion. EQT has set a fundraising goal of US$14.5 billion. The company expects to reach this goal by 2026.
This will be EQT’s ninth fund. Launched in March of this year, a closed financing round took place in April. The new project is expected to operate in line with the characteristics of private equity funds. This means that capital will only be deployed after the initial closing. Thus, at the initial stage, all key investors will have made their commitments.
Investor interest
The company is pleased with the speed at which BPEA IX is attracting investments. According to EQT representatives, this demonstrates a high level of confidence in the firm. The company has established itself as a global leader focused on achieving sustainable, high-quality results.
Per Franzen of EQT, noted that global instability drove the fund’s creation. The US president’s trade policy played a key role in this. The introduction of new tariffs has led to macroeconomic and geopolitical problems. These problems are putting pressure on market processes and forcing investors to act cautiously. However, Franzen is confident in EQT’s strategy. The company has extensive experience operating in major regions and is prepared for difficulties.
Additionally, EQT views the Asia-Pacific region as a promising market. It is experiencing stable growth. Furthermore, there is a substantial amount of undisclosed capital in the region’s economy. This can ensure attractive long-term returns.
Overview of the company’s activities
EQT began operations in Sweden in 1994 by combining the efforts of three organizations: SEB, AEA Investors, and Investor. Today, EQT conducts business globally, and its funds cover several areas:
– private equity;
– infrastructure;
– real estate;
– growth capital investments;
– venture capital investments.
The funds operate in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America.
In 2016, the company opened a venture capital division and went public three years later. In 2021, the venture capital firm Life Sciences Partners, which operates in Europe, joined EQT. Two years later, Baring Private Equity Asia joined the business. It managed 20 billion Singapore dollars. In addition, EQT is the largest shareholder in SK Shields. The company owns 68% of the firm’s shares.
