2026 Dechert PE Outlook Report: Signs of a Gradual Thaw

If your firm is planning to make a GP-stake divestiture in the next 24 months, are you considering a divesture of: (Select one)

If your firm is planning to make a GP-stake divestiture in the next 24 months, what is the motivation for the transaction? (Select all that apply)

WorkinȌ cǸpitǸl Ǹnd tǸlȃnt rȃtȃntion

Undȃr 25%

45%

59%

33%

61%

48%

59%

66%

41%

25% to 50%

Foundȃr/stǸkȃholdȃr liquidity

40%

43%

33%

28%

52%

44%

34%

50%

Morȃ thǸn 50%

FǸcilitǸtȃ succȃssion plǸnninȌ

1%

42%

6%

39%

0% 0%

37%

47%

TotǸl

AsiǸ-PǸcific

EMEA

North AmȃricǸ

Accȃss to strǸtȃȌic Ǹdvisory sȃrvicȃs

40%

50%

“There is a generational change in PE. Founders are aging, and firms require a liquidity solution to realize the equity these founders hold in their firms in order to facilitate succession,” Comis says. “With the U.S. being the most mature market and, thus, ahead of the curve,” Bolsinger adds. A UK-based dealmaker adds: “We are planning a GP-stake divestiture to improve succession planning. Firms need to have the right leaders in place.” APAC-based respondents more commonly say their motivations for GP-stake divestitures in the next 24 months will be securing access to strategic advisory services or fueling growth, with each option selected by 50%. The data bears out these value-creation expectations, with research by academics at Cornell University and the University of Florida showing that among firms that have completed stake sales, AUM increased by 84% in the first 10 years after transactions took place. GP- stakes investors often also have primary investment programs within their organizations and can also help dealmaker-led firms to manage the transition from smaller, partner-led organizations into large asset managers operating at scale. Most GPs, however, want to retain control of the franchises and only sell down minority stakes. Among those planning to make a GP-stake divestiture in the next 24 months, 59% are considering a divestiture of under 25%.

33%

41%

Sȃcurȃ Ǹ lǸrȌȃr GP commitmȃnt for Ǹ nȃw fund

39% 39%

37%

41%

Fuȃl Ȍrowth (i.ȃ. providȃ cǸpitǸl for strǸtȃȌic invȃstmȃnts Ǹnd/or ȃxpǸnsion)

34%

50%

33%

25%

LP commitmȃnts for thȃ nȃxt fund

21%

22% 22%

19%

TotǸl

AsiǸ-PǸcific

EMEA

North AmȃricǸ

33

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