Private Equity
We believe that private equity is a growing and attractive asset class for institutional investors that seek to create long-term value. With its active management approach, as well as ample opportunities for diversification, we are convinced that this asset class holds its long-term appeal, even in times of market turbulence.
Investing alongside Allianz
Allianz has a long heritage of investing in private equity. Over 25 years, Allianz has committed ca. EUR 25 billion and is now one of the largest investors globally with privileged access to investment opportunities.1
We have been active in the area of fund investments, with increasing volumes, since 1996. During this time, we have built a balanced global portfolio, based on diversification across geographies, sectors, managers and vintage years.
We currently maintain active investment relationships with more than 100 fund managers worldwide. We are a consistent partner and therefore prefer to invest in several generations of funds.
By investing in private equity funds, we spread our investments across a pool of privately owned companies. This diversifies Allianz's portfolio beyond stock market-listed companies.
Furthermore, it offers us the opportunity to invest across a range of company sizes, benefitting from the different investment strategies deployed by various fund managers. At the same time, our global coverage gives us access to different geographic markets and economic cycles. Overall, private equity fund investments aim to generate a premium over public market returns and attractive risk-adjusted returns with portfolio diversification for our Allianz customers.
Our investment strategy
The Allianz Private Equity strategy invests in private equity funds worldwide, and covers the entire spectrum, from buy-outs to venture capital in both primary and secondary markets. In addition, it is also active in the area of co-investments, where it invests alongside our private equity managers.
Our investment strategy is to find and select only the best fund investment opportunities worldwide. In doing so, our investment professionals seek out the best fund managers in each regional market globally and screen hundreds of funds every year. Those opportunities which meet our investment criteria are then subjected to a comprehensive assessment and selection process.
We typically invest in funds whose partners are experienced and have demonstrated a strong historical track record, and are deemed to have a high probability of achieving above-average risk-adjusted returns in the future.
Due to our broad market penetration and sizeable portfolio, we are in a position to respond quickly with binding prices in secondary market transactions.
Our position as a respected primary investor, and the close business relationships that we maintain with numerous fund managers, are greatly beneficial when realizing secondary investments. In addition, our global reach gives us the resources to support global transactions in a fast and discreet process.
We are experienced in co-investments in buyout and growth capital transactions. We do not act as a lead investor in these transactions; rather, we invest as a junior partner alongside private equity funds. With this approach, we apply a rigorous but focused evaluation process which guarantees a quick response and certainty of closure once approved.
Beyond our dedicated funds investment expertise, our Private Equity investment managers call on many years of relevant experience, including the direct investment sector. The networks of both our investment managers and the Allianz Group are, naturally, also available to the fund managers involved and this direct investment know-how creates synergies for our co-investment approach.
