Sagard Integrates Private Equity Business of Geneva Investment Boutique

Canadian alternative asset manager Sagard and Geneva-based investment boutique Unigestion have completed the transaction announced last autumn, the two companies said on Friday. As a result, Unigestion’s private equity business has officially been integrated into the global platform «Sagard Private Equity Solutions» (SPES).

According to the companies, the combination creates one of the world’s largest platforms for mid-market private equity investment solutions. SPES will now manage combined private equity assets of more than 23 billion dollar and connect more than 300 institutional investors with over 500 general partners worldwide.

Sagard itself manages more than 45 billion dollar in client assets across venture capital, private equity, private credit, and real estate. The company operates internationally with offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Christophe de Dardel joins SPES Executive Committee

«We are very pleased to officially launch our partnership with the Unigestion team,» said Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO of Sagard. The transaction underlines the shared ambition to build a globally oriented private equity platform with long-term growth potential.

Unigestion also described the deal as a «new chapter». The existing investment philosophy and client service model will remain unchanged, explained Christophe de Dardel, CEO of Unigestion Private Equity and newly appointed member of the SPES Executive Committee. At the same time, the partnership provides access to additional resources and an expanded international network.

Existing funds and mandates will continue to operate under the Unigestion name. However, future products and mandates will be launched under the «Sagard Private Equity Solutions» brand.