Sagard, a global alternative asset manager, and Unigestion, a renowned European private equity firm specializing in the middle market, have announced their intention to combine their private equity operations. This strategic merger is set to create a new global leader in providing private equity investment solutions for the middle market. The newly formed platform will oversee more than $23 billion in private equity assets and will significantly broaden its geographical reach and the variety of products offered.
This expanded capability will allow them to deliver customized and scalable private equity solutions, including primaries, secondaries, and co-investments, to a wide range of investors, from large institutions to high-net-worth individuals. Following this combination, Sagard’s total assets under management are projected to reach approximately $44 billion upon the deal’s official closure.
Unigestion’s business activities outside of private equity are not part of this transaction. Additionally, Sagard’s existing direct private equity strategies, which operate in France and Canada, will continue to be managed independently.
Unigestion brings a rich history of successfully providing private equity solutions to a diverse clientele, including institutions, family offices, and other sophisticated investors. This has been achieved through both tailored mandates and commingled funds. The combined entity plans to leverage Unigestion’s unique strengths, which include its entrepreneurial spirit, its personalized approach to investments, and its strong focus on client relationships. These attributes will be further enhanced by Sagard’s extensive global network and its diverse range of investment strategies.
Bernard Sabrier, who has been instrumental in guiding Unigestion’s strategic development over many decades, will assume the role of Chairman for the new private equity platform. He will also join Sagard’s Board as Vice Chairman, a move designed to ensure long-term consistency and alignment as the two firms integrate their operations. The FAMSA foundation, which Mr. Sabrier chairs, is also slated to become a significant shareholder in Sagard.
The completion of this deal is anticipated in early 2026, pending the necessary regulatory approvals.
Advisors/counsel: UBS acted as exclusive financial advisor to Unigestion and Lenz & Staehelin acted as legal counsel to the Unigestion Private Equity Holding SA shareholders in this transaction. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) acted as financial due diligence advisor, Deloitte acted as tax advisor, and McDermott Will & Schulte, Schellenberg Wittmer, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon acted as legal advisors to Sagard in this transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“Unigestion, a firm with a long and successful history under the leadership of Bernard Sabrier, and a culture that is highly aligned with Sagard’s, brings deep investment expertise, strong investor relationships and formidable investment discipline. Unigestion’s track record of building deep client relationships by crafting customized private equity programs makes them a natural partner for Sagard as we take this next step toward becoming a global leader in the middle market.”
Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sagard
“This combination paves the way for a new growth chapter and will be first and foremost beneficial to our LPs. Sagard’s values and long-term orientation align closely with ours. It allows us to remain true to the entrepreneurial DNA and client focus that define Unigestion, while positioning us for long-term growth within a broader global firm.”
Bernard Sabrier, Group Chairman of Unigestion
“This partnership will considerably accelerate our journey to become a global leader in middle market private equity. It also marks a key milestone in our strategic expansion across both Europe and Asia. I look forward to working with Christophe de Dardel and Mark Zünd, who will continue to lead Unigestion’s private equity business, in building out our combined platform.”
Jonathan Tétrault, Managing Partner at Sagard, who will become CEO of the platform combining private equity primaries, secondaries and co-investment activities
