Swedish buyout firm EQT AB is benefitting from global investors seeking alternatives to the US, with Europe and Asia emerging as key growth markets, according to a report by Bloomberg citing departing Chairman and Founder Conni Jonsson.
In a Bloomberg Television interview, Jonsson said that while the US remains a significant market, long-term growth for EQT and the private equity industry lies in Asia and the firm is well-positioned to leverage this trend.
Incoming Chairman Jean Eric Salata, EQT’s Asia head, said that geopolitical concerns and stretched US tech valuations are driving investors to diversify portfolios, fuelling EQT’s fundraising momentum. Salata highlighted that the firm has returned a record €20bn to investors, further boosting its appeal.
EQT is also prioritising digital and AI capabilities, with in-house data scientists working closely with portfolio companies to enhance operational performance. The appointment of Salata as CEO underscores the firm’s strategic commitment to Asia, building on the €6.8bn acquisition of Baring Private Equity in 2022.
Founded in 1994, EQT has invested in over 650 portfolio companies, growing from a €300m Nordic fund into one of the world’s largest private equity firms by capital raised over the past five years.
