Wind Point Partners has closed its eleventh private equity fund with $3.2 billion in total commitments, exceeding the fund’s hard cap and making it the largest fund in the firm’s 42-year history.
Wind Point Partners XI attracted commitments from more than 65 institutional investors across 17 countries, including pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers, family offices and foundations. The fundraising process was completed in under nine months and included substantial repeat commitments from existing limited partners.
More than 20 institutions invested with Wind Point for the first time through Fund XI, including investors from new private wealth distribution channels. The fund also received significant commitments from the general partner and members of Wind Point’s Executive Advisor Partner program, creating additional alignment between the firm’s professionals, industry advisors and outside investors.
Wind Point plans to continue its established focus on middle-market businesses in the business services, industrial products and consumer products sectors. The firm uses its Vision, Talent and Transformation strategy to combine a defined business plan with management recruitment and operational initiatives intended to accelerate growth.
Founded in 1984, Wind Point has completed more than 90 platform investments and approximately 400 add-on acquisitions. Platform investments serve as the foundation for a broader strategy, while add-on acquisitions can expand geographic reach, products, capabilities or customer relationships.
The firm’s Executive Advisor Partner program includes more than 40 senior industry executives who contribute to investment evaluation, management recruitment, strategic planning and portfolio company development. The program has operated for nearly 30 years and represents a central element of Wind Point’s investment process.
Fund XI has already completed two investments aligned with the firm’s strategy. Wind Point has also expanded its internal capabilities in value creation, talent, legal, compliance, finance and accounting to support a larger portfolio and capital base.
The firm has approximately $9 billion in assets under management and 53 employees based in Chicago. Wind Point plans to relocate its headquarters to 333 Wolf Point Plaza in downtown Chicago in October to accommodate its growing team.
Kirkland & Ellis served as fund counsel. Falcom Asset Management, POLARIS Investment Advisory and Thrive Alternatives Capital Advisory served as placement advisors.
KEY QUOTES:
“On behalf of the Wind Point team, we would like to convey our gratitude for the trust and partnership shown by so many quality institutions in Fund XI. We invest tremendous time and energy into the culture and quality of our team and strategy. The support we’ve received in this fundraise is a strong validation of our collective efforts. We believe Wind Point is very well-positioned for the long term and we look forward to continued shared success alongside our valued partners.”
Nathan Brown, Paul Peterson, Alex Washington, Konrad Salaber and Joe Lawler, Managing Directors at Wind Point Partners
“The success of this fundraise was built on the solid foundation of our repeat partners, some of whom have been investors with Wind Point for nearly three decades. We are off to a great start in Fund XI with two investments that align well with our VTT strategy. We look forward to continuing to execute at a high level and delivering strong results for our investors with Fund XI.”
Nathan Brown, Managing Director at Wind Point Partners
“It was clear early on that we would have a strong fundraise. And we owe that to our existing investors who were there for us in the first close, and in most cases, with larger commitments. We added more than 20 new institutions with Fund XI, including new wealth channels. Our team is energized by this outcome and eager to continue our firm’s momentum.”
Ron Liberman, Head of Investor Relations at Wind Point Partners
