Eighteen48 Partners announced the first close of Eighteen48 Private Equity Fund I at €175 million as the firm continues expanding its focus on European middle-market buyout transactions sourced through Independent Sponsors.
The fund is targeting a total raise of €350 million and is designed to provide investors with diversified exposure to off-market transactions across the European private equity market. Since 2020, Eighteen48 Partners has deployed more than €200 million into this strategy, building a track record centered on relationship-driven investments alongside Independent Sponsors.
The first close included significant re-up commitments from existing Eighteen48 clients, alongside new commitments from institutions, family offices, and ultra-high-net-worth investors. The firm said the investor participation reflects growing interest in the Independent Sponsor segment and confidence in Eighteen48’s investment approach and experience.
Eighteen48 Partners focuses on long-term investing across public and private markets and has developed its private equity strategy around Independent Sponsor transactions over the last several years.
Julien Sevaux, Founding Partner and CEO, said the Independent Sponsor segment of European private equity remains an overlooked part of the market that can offer attractive risk-adjusted returns.
He added that the new fund formalizes a differentiated strategy Eighteen48 has been executing for several years and marks the next stage of growth for the firm with support from both existing and new investors.
Oliver Mayer, Head of Private Equity, said the first close represents a natural progression for the firm’s private equity strategy following strong transaction performance over the last six years. He emphasized the alignment between Independent Sponsors and investors, along with the advantages of off-market sourcing and relationship-driven deal execution, as important contributors to investment performance.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are increasingly excited by the opportunity in the growing independent sponsor segment of European private equity – a corner of the market we believe remains largely overlooked by investors yet offers compelling risk-adjusted returns. This fund formalises a highly differentiated strategy we have been executing within Eighteen48 for a number of years. We are delighted to enter this next phase with the support of both longstanding clients and new investors who share our conviction.”
Julien Sevaux, Founding Partner and CEO, Eighteen48 Partners
“Following strong performance in transactions sourced alongside Independent Sponsors over the last six years, the first close of Fund I is a natural step for our private equity strategy. We see the highly aligned nature of our sponsors, as well as the structural advantages of off-market, relationship-driven deals, as key drivers of our investment outcomes.”
Oliver Mayer, Head of Private Equity, Eighteen48 Partners
