Patria Investments Limited (“Patria”) announced an agreement for the carve-out acquisition of a private equity solutions business from abrdn Inc. (“abrdn”).
Upon closing, the acquired platform together with this existing business will form a new vertical – Global Private Markets Solutions (“GPMS”). On a pro forma basis, GPMS is positioned to launch with an aggregate FEAUM of over $9 billion and will be led by Marco D’Ippolito. This vertical will further develop a complementary pillar of growth to serve as a gateway for Latin American investors to access private markets on a global scale, the firm said in a press release.
“We’re very excited to announce this new addition to Patria’s investment platform, which advances an important aspect of our growth strategy,” said Alex Saigh, Patria’s Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to see a financial deepening unfold in the region, local investor allocations to alternatives are evolving from local products to more sophisticated global exposure to the asset class. The transaction will bring Patria in-house expertise in high-demand strategies that offer diversified exposure and an attractive performance track record. This business will increase Patria’s permanent capital AUM, further diversify our product menu, and should deliver an accretive earnings stream for our shareholders.”
Tailored client solutions and drawdown funds consisting of primaries, secondaries and co-investment strategies have grown into a major component of the private markets ecosystem. Primaries offer diversified exposure for investors and provide underlying general partners with an important source of anchor capital, while secondaries and co-investment strategies can provide investors with enhanced return profiles and improved portfolio management. Secondaries and co-investment strategies in particular have shown impressive growth in recent years, with global AUM growing at a CAGR of 16% and 21% respectively from 2019 to 2022, according Patria information.
The abrdn Private Equity solutions business operates from offices in London, Edinburgh and Boston, with a team of more than 50 employees. As of June 30, 2023, the platform manages $7.8 billion of Fee Earning AUM across the aforementioned strategies through drawdown funds, a listed private equity trust and separately managed accounts, with investment exposure primarily to the European and US middle market. With an impressive performance track record over 15 years, the business has built a loyal global client base, and has current investment relationships with more than 150 general partners.
Marco D’Ippolito, Patria’s Chief Corporate Development Officer said: “We are joining forces with a talented team that reflects Patria’s entrepreneurial investment culture, and acquiring an established solutions platform that brings differentiated investment capabilities to serve our clients. I am excited to work with Merrick and his team to fully leverage Patria’s platform as we grow together.”
Merrick McKay, the Head of abrdn Private Equity, said: “We are delighted to be the cornerstone platform in Patria’s new Global Private Markets Solutions strategy vertical, recognizing that this is Patria’s first acquisition outside Latin America. We believe that Patria is an excellent partner for our business and clients, as the combination will support and enhance our continued development as a leading European and US private equity solutions provider for institutional investors. This includes the ability to offer our private equity solutions to the fast-growing Latin American market where Patria has such a leading presence and strong reputation. We also look forward to working with Patria’s global distribution team, which manages Patria’s long-lasting relationships with many of the world’s most sophisticated private markets investors.”
Transaction Details
Transaction includes total consideration of up to £100 million (or currently ~$122 million) payable to the seller in cash, with £80 million as base value and £20 million contingent on certain performance factors. Timing of payments includes £60 million payable at closing, £20 million payable at 24 months from closing, and up to £20 million payable at 36 months from closing pending certain performance factors. The initial payment of £60 million will be financed through a bank credit facility maturing 36 months after closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024 pending regulatory approvals, and is expected to be accretive to Patria shareholders in 2024. Rothschild & Co served as financial advisor and Macfarlanes LLP served as legal advisor to abrdn. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to Patria.
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