Healthcare Private Equity Firms in Europe

Admaius Capital Partners is a pan-African private equity firm focused on high-impact sectors including digital infrastructure, financial services, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare, and education to drive social and economic transformation across Africa. The firm targets businesses with potential for digital transformation, providing patient capital, operational support, and expertise to scale operations, expand internationally, and create long-term value. With a strong emphasis on ESG principles and responsible investing, Admaius blends local market knowledge with global experience to attract new international capital into African private equity opportunities.

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity firms. With decades of industry leadership, it has established a strong track record of successful investments and deep sector expertise. Advent has invested in over 420 private equity transactions across 43 countries. The firm partners with management teams to accelerate growth through strategic support, operational improvement, and long-term vision alignment. With $94 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023, Advent primarily focuses on buyouts and growth equity investments across five key sectors, maintaining a flexible and globally integrated approach.

Ansor LLP is a London-based private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fragmented, high-growth sectors across the UK. Founded in 2010 by Edward Ainsworth, Peter Marson, and Peter Strafford, Ansor has established a reputation for building market-leading businesses through strategic acquisitions and operational excellence. The firm employs a data-driven approach to identify attractive subsectors with long-term growth potential, profitability, and fragmentation. Ansor's investment strategy involves creating platform companies and executing buy-and-build strategies to consolidate these sectors. Notable investments include ALS Dental, Compliance Group, and 21 Degrees Group, among others. Ansor has successfully raised and deployed multiple funds, including Ansor Fund I and the oversubscribed Ansor Fund II, which closed at its hard cap of £250 million in April 2025. The firm's commitment to sustainability is evident, with all portfolio companies striving for carbon neutrality. Ansor's experienced team continues to drive value creation through strategic investments and operational improvements.

Arcano Partners, founded in 2003, is an independent international financial advisory and alternative asset management firm headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It operates across four core business lines: Investment Banking, Asset Management (including Private Equity, Credit, Real Estate, Sustainable Infrastructure, Venture Capital, and Aviation Finance), Asset Finance, and Research & Strategic Advisory. The firm is recognized for its Merchant-Banking model and emphasis on sustainable, responsible investing. With over €12 billion in assets under management and advisory since inception, Arcano’s Asset Management arm focuses on primary, secondary, and co-investment opportunities in mid-market private funds and companies in Europe and the U.S. The firm has more than 250 professionals supporting more than 400 funds and 3,000 underlying companies. It is also a signatory to the UN PRI, reflecting its ESG commitment. Arcano is structured around a partnership model with offices in major European and U.S. financial hubs. Its approach combines high-level M&A advisory, specialist credit & asset financing, macroeconomic research, and tailor-made private markets solutions. The firm also ranks among the top 10 global managers in private equity secondaries, according to the HEC Paris–Dow Jones ranking.

Astorg is a leading pan-European private equity firm founded in 1998, managing over €24 billion in assets. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market-leading global companies, providing strategic guidance, governance, and capital to achieve growth goals. Astorg operates with a distinct entrepreneurial culture, a long-term shareholder perspective, and a lean decision-making body. With offices in Luxembourg, London, Paris, New York, Milan, and Frankfurt, Astorg has valuable industry expertise in healthcare, software, technology, business services, and technology-based industrial companies. The firm's investment approach emphasizes the "art of listening," fostering genuine partnerships and uncovering value through respectful dialogue. Astorg's investment strategy focuses on mid-sized European companies, often family-owned, combining operational success with entrepreneurial drive. The firm specializes in leveraged build-ups, growth capital, family transmissions, mid-cap owner and leveraged buyouts, and corporate spin-offs. Astorg's commitment to sustainability and ESG principles is evident in its participation in industry initiatives like the ESG Data Convergence Project.

Axon Partners Group is a global investment and consulting firm that focuses on technology and innovation. The firm operates with a dual approach, offering both investment management and strategic consulting services. They partner with visionary leaders to drive innovation and create value in the technology sector, while their consulting arm provides insights and expertise for strategic, commercial, policy, and investment decisions. Axon Partners Group emphasizes effective strategies and investments to leverage innovative technologies for a better world.Founded in 2006 by Francisco Velázquez, Axon Capital and SVP Advisors initially operated as two separate entities in Madrid. Axon Capital focused on tech transfer venture capital, aiming to extract value from university technologies in Spain, and secured its first tech transfer VC fund in July 2007. SVP Advisors, on the other hand, extended Velázquez's consulting experience internationally. In 2012, Axon Capital and SVP Advisors merged to form Axon Partners Group, expanding their team and global reach. The firm successfully completed an IPO and was listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange, raising approximately €12 million.Axon Partners Group has a diverse portfolio with investments in various technology-driven companies. Recent investments include Dynamics VR, ISAAC (Construction and Engineering), and Grodi (Agriculture). The firm has also invested in companies like Taalentfy, a technology platform for employability and career guidance, and Odders, an XR company specializing in virtual reality games and applications. Other notable investments include Metricool, Instaleap, and W•SENSE. Axon Partners Group has also made 43 exits, with its latest being from Dogfy Diet in October 2025.The firm's team comprises over 100 seasoned professionals across its Consulting and Investment divisions, with diverse backgrounds and nationalities. This international team combines multi-sector tech expertise with a proven investment and advisory track record, aiming to deliver the agility of a boutique firm with the capabilities of a global company. Key management includes Francisco Velázquez as Chairman and Managing Partner, and Alfonso de León and Dimitri Kallinis as Managing Partners and Board Members.

Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., founded in 1992, is a leading global alternative investment firm headquartered in New York City. With approximately $65 billion in assets under management, Cerberus specializes in private equity, credit, and real estate strategies. The firm leverages its integrated investment platforms and proprietary operating capabilities to drive long-term value for investors. The firm is known for its flexible and disciplined investment approach, often targeting distressed assets and underperforming businesses across the capital structure. Cerberus has built a strong track record through value-driven turnarounds, including high-profile investments such as Chrysler and various non-performing loan portfolios worldwide. With a presence across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa, Cerberus operates through a global network of affiliate and advisory offices. Its diversified strategies and operational depth allow it to navigate complex markets and deliver consistent returns across asset classes and geographies.

Fisher Lynch Capital (FLC) is an independent boutique investment firm founded in 2003, specializing exclusively in private equity co-investments. With over $8.7 billion in investor commitments, FLC partners with top-tier private equity sponsors to provide investors with access to premier, hard-to-access co-investment opportunities. The firm has completed over 200 co-investment transactions, making it one of the most active co-investment groups globally. FLC's investment strategy focuses on collaborating with limited partners to create customized programs that co-invest directly in private equity portfolio companies. These investments span various sectors, including consumer and retail, business and financial services, media and communications, software and technology, healthcare, and energy. The firm's team brings extensive experience from backgrounds in direct private equity, institutional investing, and professional services. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, FLC also maintains offices in Boston and London, allowing it to serve a global clientele. The firm's commitment to building diversified portfolios and its rigorous due diligence process have established it as a trusted partner for institutional investors seeking co-investment opportunities alongside experienced private equity fund managers.

Five Arrows is the alternative-assets platform of Rothschild & Co, comprising Five Arrows Principal Investments (growth buy-out), Five Arrows Managers (mid-market) and Five Arrows Secondary Opportunities. From hubs in London, Paris, Luxembourg, New York and Los Angeles, the 280-person team manages approximately €8 billion across funds focused on healthcare, technology and business services. Five Arrows leverages Rothschild’s 200-year banking heritage, global advisory network and rigorous risk culture to source proprietary deals and create value through active governance and operational improvement. Recent milestones include the €2 billion final close of FASO VI (2025) and successful exits of RLDatix and A2MAC1. The platform consistently ranks in the top decile for DPI and TVPI among European secondary and growth funds.

Golding Capital Partners GmbH is one of Europe’s leading independent asset managers for alternative investments, focusing on the asset classes infrastructure, private credit, private equity, secondaries and impact. With a team of more than 200 professionals at its offices in Munich, London, Luxembourg, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Zurich, Golding Capital Partners helps institutional and professional investors to develop their investment strategy and manages of around €14 billion in assets. Golding became a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) in 2013 and has been a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) since 2021.

HarbourVest Partners is a leading global private markets investment firm with over 42 years of experience. Founded in 1982 as Hancock Venture Partners, a subsidiary of John Hancock Insurance, the firm has evolved into an independent entity headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. HarbourVest offers clients access to a comprehensive suite of private market solutions, including primary fund investments, secondary transactions, direct co-investments, real assets, infrastructure, and private credit. With a presence in major financial centers worldwide, HarbourVest operates offices in cities such as London, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bogotá. This global footprint enables the firm to maintain strong local relationships and insights, facilitating effective investment strategies across diverse markets. HarbourVest's team of over 1,300 professionals is dedicated to delivering customized investment solutions that meet the unique needs of their institutional clients. As of December 31, 2024, HarbourVest manages more than $143 billion in assets under management (AUM). The firm's client base includes a wide range of institutional investors, such as public and corporate pension funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices. HarbourVest's commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the private equity landscape.

Hayfin Capital Management LLP, founded in 2009, is a premier European alternative asset management platform specializing in providing critical debt, equity, and hybrid capital solutions tailored to meet diverse financing needs for corporates—including both sponsor-backed and non-sponsor entities—as well as real asset owners. The firm employs a value-investing approach across multiple strategies including Direct Lending, Special Opportunities, High-Yield Credit, Securitized Credit, and Private Equity Funds.Headquartered in London, Hayfin has expanded its global footprint with 13 offices spanning Europe, the United States, and a growing presence in Asia. Since inception, Hayfin has invested over €50 billion of capital across more than 500 portfolio companies, managing approximately €35 billion in assets under management. The firm’s investment philosophy combines deep market expertise, disciplined risk management, and a commitment to responsible investing, as evidenced by its signatory status to the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI).Hayfin’s management team, including co-founders Tim Flynn (CEO) and Mark Tognolini (COO), emphasizes long-term partnership with clients and investors, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

IK Partners is a leading European private equity firm headquartered in London, UK, renowned for its focus on mid-market buyouts across Northern and Western Europe. Formerly known as Industri Kapital (and later IK Investment Partners), the firm has a heritage dating back to 1989 and has played a significant role in the European private equity landscape, particularly in the Benelux, DACH, Nordic, French, and UK regions. IK’s investment strategy centers on partnering with established, growing companies and working closely with management to accelerate expansion and operational excellence.Over its history, IK Partners has raised more than €19 billion of capital across multiple funds. As of 2024, the firm manages approximately €19 billion (around $21 billion) in assets under management on behalf of global institutional investors. IK’s portfolio includes over 200 company investments made through its flagship mid-cap funds and dedicated small-cap funds, spanning sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Manufacturing. The firm is known for driving value creation in its portfolio companies through strategic initiatives, add-on acquisitions, and a strong emphasis on governance and sustainability.IK Partners employs over 200 professionals across offices in key European hubs – including London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, and Luxembourg – as well as an office in New York. The team is led by CEO Christopher Masek and a group of experienced partners who uphold a collaborative, people-first culture. In 2024, the publicly listed investment firm Wendel acquired a 51% stake in IK Partners, providing additional backing and resources for future growth. Operating as an independent partnership, IK continues to execute its proven mid-market investment approach, aiming to deliver superior returns to its investors while supporting the long-term success of its portfolio companies.

Latour Capital is an independent private equity firm founded in 2011 and based in Paris. Created by entrepreneurs and former industry leaders, it combines deep operational expertise with a strong pan‑European network to support growth businesses. The firm invests in mid‑market companies—both majority and minority transactions—typically targeting enterprise values above €150 million in industrial, business services, consumer, and healthcare sectors. Latour seeks established firms with real growth potential and a strategic path to international expansion. With approximately €4 billion (USD ~4 billion) in assets under management and four core funds raised to date, Latour has executed over 20 investments across Europe. Its team of around 10 partners works closely with portfolio company leadership to drive operational performance and strategic exits.

Omega Funds is a global investment firm focused on identifying and supporting transformational companies in the life sciences sector. With a mission to improve human health, Omega Funds primarily invests in biopharmaceuticals, medical technologies, diagnostics, and digital health. The firm backs science-driven innovation and partners with entrepreneurs developing breakthrough products across the U.S. and Europe.Founded in 2004, Omega Funds manages approximately $2 billion in assets under management. Its investment strategy spans early to late-stage private companies, as well as select public market opportunities. Omega’s portfolio includes a wide range of pioneering biotech firms tackling high-impact areas such as oncology, rare diseases, neurodegeneration, and gene therapies.Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional presence in London, Omega Funds has built a reputation for deep sector knowledge, long-term support, and close collaboration with scientific founders. The firm often takes a hands-on approach, contributing to company strategy, governance, and clinical development to help build lasting and valuable businesses.As a specialist life sciences investor, Omega Funds continues to pursue opportunities that align with its vision of delivering meaningful therapeutic innovation. Its global perspective and scientific focus make it a key player in the advancement of next-generation healthcare solutions.

Palamon Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in growth capital investments across Europe. The firm targets service-oriented businesses with high growth potential, providing equity funding and strategic support to help companies expand and realize their market opportunities.Founded in 1999, Palamon has raised multiple funds and manages roughly €1.3 billion (around $1.5 billion) in assets. Its investment portfolio spans sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, and technology-enabled services. Palamon typically invests in mid-sized companies and works closely with management teams to drive organic growth, international expansion, and operational improvements. Over the years, the firm has built a track record of successful investments and exits, including notable high-return realizations in its core markets.Palamon Capital Partners is a partnership led by a seasoned team of investors and entrepreneurs. While relatively small with about 15–20 professionals, the firm prides itself on a collaborative and hands-on approach to value creation. Palamon’s institutional client base includes major pension funds, insurance companies, and family offices. The firm operates out of its London headquarters at 60 Charlotte Street, positioning it at the heart of Europe’s financial center to source and manage deals effectively across the continent.

Permira is a leading global investment firm founded in 1985, originally known as Schroder Ventures before rebranding in 2001. Headquartered in London, the firm operates 16 offices across Europe, North America, and Asia, employing more than 650 professionals. Permira specializes in private equity and credit, focusing on long-term value creation through strategic partnerships with management teams. With assets under management exceeding $85 billion, Permira invests in five core sectors: Technology, Consumer, Healthcare, Services, and Climate. The firm’s growth-oriented, thematic investment approach supports companies with high potential for innovation and expansion. Its diverse portfolio includes businesses in software, cybersecurity, branded consumer goods, and healthcare services. Permira emphasizes responsible investment and sustainable growth. The firm works closely with its portfolio companies to implement operational improvements and strategic initiatives. Through its credit platform, Permira also offers flexible financing solutions, including direct lending and structured credit, tailored to support evolving business needs globally.

Perwyn is a family‑backed private and growth equity firm, founded in 2013 and based in London, with offices in Paris, Geneva and Milan. Operated from an evergreen capital base, it offers flexibility beyond traditional fund‑raising cycles to actively support founders and management teams in scaling and structural transformation. Perwyn invests in established, cash‑generative mid‑market companies (EV £/€100–500 M) via buy‑outs or growth capital, as well as earlier minority rounds (£5–50 M). The firm focuses across four core sectors—Technology & Services, Healthcare, Food & Ingredients, and general Consumer & Business Services—partnering on bespoke strategic plans and supporting follow‑on M&A. With a focussed team of ~30 professionals and decades of collective experience, Perwyn takes a high‑engagement approach. They seek a limited number of significant investments yearly across Europe, aiming to be first or second institutional investor and driving long‑term value through tailored operational and strategic support.

Platinum Equity is a Beverly Hills–headquartered private-equity firm founded in 1995 by investor Tom Gores. Over three decades the firm has grown into one of the world’s largest buy-out specialists, stewarding roughly US $48 billion in assets and more than 60 active portfolio companies. The firm’s trademark “M&A&O®” strategy knits together mergers, acquisitions and intense, hands-on operations. Platinum focuses on corporate carve-outs, public-to-private deals and other complex situations where it can deploy in-house operating experts to accelerate turnarounds and bolt-on growth. Its funds are flexible—writing equity cheques from the lower-middle market up to multibillion-dollar global platforms. Sector-agnostic by design, Platinum Equity targets businesses in industrials, consumer & retail, technology, healthcare, media-telecom, finance and natural resources, with transactions completed across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. More than 360 professionals operate from six offices—Los Angeles, Boston, Greenwich, New York, London and Singapore—sourcing, executing and managing deals worldwide.

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology conglomerate with a robust investment arm, actively shaping the digital landscape globally. The firm's investment strategy, primarily executed through Tencent Investment and its Corporate Development Group (CDG), focuses on enriching internet users' lives and facilitating the digital transformation of enterprises. Its extensive investment portfolio spans a diverse array of sectors, including technology, gaming, fintech, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital content. Tencent operates as both a corporate venture and private equity investor, seeking opportunities across various stages, from early-stage startups to pre-IPO companies.Founded in Shenzhen, China, in November 1998 by Pony Ma, Tony Zhang, Xu Chenye, Charles Chen, and Zeng Liqing, Tencent's origins are rooted in instant messaging and online gaming, anticipating the burgeoning demand for chat applications in China's rapidly expanding internet cafe culture. The company's guiding principle, "Value for Users, Tech for Good," underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. Since its inception, Tencent has evolved into one of the world's largest and most influential technology and investment corporations.Tencent has made hundreds of strategic investments across the globe. Notable portfolio companies include those in artificial intelligence, such as Zhipu AI, and a significant presence in the fintech space with investments in firms like Upvest, TrueLayer, UPSIDER, Qonto, N26, and Raisin. In the gaming industry, Tencent holds stakes in major players like Supercell, Riot Games, Funcom, Stunlock Studios, and Turtle Rock Studios. The firm has also invested in e-commerce platforms like JD.com and logistics companies such as China South City Holdings. A key characteristic of Tencent's investment approach is allowing its portfolio startups to maintain operational autonomy.The firm's team expertise is deeply embedded in its diverse business groups. The Interactive Entertainment Group (IEG) drives its gaming and esports ventures, while the Cloud & Smart Industries Group (CSIG) focuses on cloud services and industrial internet solutions. The Platform & Content Group (PCG) manages its social and content ecosystems. Specifically, the Corporate Development Group (CDG) is responsible for new business incubation, strategic planning, and investment activities, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and operational experience to its portfolio companies. The leadership, including co-founder Pony Ma, contributes extensive experience in internet and technology development.