Predictions revisited

Those in the business of making predictions – particularly in politics – had a difficult year in 2016. A look back at the five forecasts we made at the close of 2015, however, suggests that the world of private equity has been slightly more stable.

Our five prophecies were:

1. The mountain of dry powder will grow

Verdict: it did

According to data compiled by placement agent Asante Capital, in June 2016 global dry powder stood at $1.4 trillion across all asset classes, up from around $1.3 trillion at the end of 2015. Industry giant Blackstone – which claimed the top spot in this year’s PEI 300, with $60 billion raised in the last five years – now has $102 billion in uncalled capital, up from $85 million in 2015. It’s been another tough year to invest, due to a combination of sky-high valuations, market volatility and uncertainty surrounding political events worldwide. Once again distributions to LPs were on track to exceed capital calls in 2016, with annualised distributions of $420 billion against calls of $288 billion, according to data from Triago at the end of Q2.

2. The LP base and GP product mix will keep evolving

Verdict: true, but it’s a slow process 

Private equity has continued to significantly outperform public markets this year, which is tempting more and more investors to double down on the asset class. According to the PEI Perspectives 2017 survey , three-quarters of investors are intending to increase or maintain their target allocation to private equity over the next 12 months. Asian insurance groups have begun flocking to the asset class following deregulation , while family offices are increasing their exposure. Co-investment, direct investment and separate accounts have all grown in popularity this year, while new fund structures, such as longer-term vehicles and those that can cater to defined contribution pension plans, have continued to grow and develop.

3. Fund terms won’t be one-size-fits-all 

Verdict: very much so 

As we welcomed in the new year, a number of firms – most notably perhaps Advent International – were inviting LPs into funds with new twists to standard terms and conditions. While there clearly remains a standard set of headline fund terms embraced by the majority, those with the necessary track record have been able to adapt these. Notable examples include in-demand US manager Abry Partners, which increased the carried interest on its latest fund, Abry Heritage Partners, to 30 percent. Its previous funds had the industry standard 20 percent. Meanwhile, Chicago-based Thoma Bravo raised $7.6 billion for its latest fund without a hurdle rate; something that a select few firms can get away with.

4. Fees will remain in the spotlight 

Verdict: they certainly did 

A combination of Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement and scrutiny of public pension investment costs has ensured the issue of fees has remained front and centre. The California legislature passed a bill in October requiring public pension systems to obtain specific disclosures from their fund managers on fees and expenses and publish this data once a year. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the California State Teachers’ Retirement System and the Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board all released data for the first time on how much carried interest they have been paying their external private equity managers. The SEC, meanwhile, brought some high-profile enforcement actions against firms on matters relating to fees and expenses. Notably, Blackstone agreed to pay around $39 million to settle a charge relating to fee practices.

5. Funds of funds will have a revival

Verdict: in a way 

Funds of funds hogged much of the limelight in 2016 thanks to the hostile takeover bid launched by HarbourVest Partners for SVG Capital. After more than a month of back-and-forth, which included several counterbids from other heavy-hitters, SVG capitulated to HarbourVest’s final offer of £806 million ($1 billion; €963 million) , sealing a deal which industry insiders said could fundamentally change the dynamics of the secondaries market . The fund used to launch the bid, Dover IX, smashed its $3.6 billion target to close on $4.8 billion . Meanwhile industry peer Hamilton Lane closed its largest-ever private equity fund of funds on $516 million against a target of $400 million, and Adveq blew through its €350 million target for Adveq Europe VI to close on €462 million.

While the industry is surrounded by uncertainty, whether about the global economy or what path regulation will take, private equity has proved comfortingly predictable on at least these major talking points.

PS. The votes are coming in for the annual PEI Awards 2016. Make sure your voice is heard !