Key Takeaways
- Sector: Multisector - Generalist.
- Geography: France.
Analysis
BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) has announced the second closing of its BNP Paribas Agility Co-Invest Fund 2 (Agility 2), reaching nearly €700 million (approx. $763 million).
Launched in 2024, Agility 2 focuses on co-investments in European small and mid-cap companies across diverse sectors. Investment sizes range from €10 million to €50 million (approx. $10.9M–$54.5M), aiming to build a diversified portfolio of 50 investments. To date, the fund has invested in 15 companies, with five more investments currently in progress.
The second closing was made possible through strong support from both institutional and private investors in France and internationally, and through the collaboration between BNPP AM and BNP Paribas Wealth Management.
A significant commitment of €300 million (approx. $327 million) from the BNP Paribas Group underscores the fund’s strategic importance and the alignment of interests between the manager and investors.
"We are delighted with this excellent result, which demonstrates, in a context where investors are particularly selective and demanding, the interest and relevance of our proposal," said Lionel Gomez and Damien Fournier, co-heads of BNPP AM's Private Equity team. "The fund continues to be actively deployed: we have already invested nearly €200 million (approx. $218 million) in 15 companies, and we are currently working on closing 5 additional investments."
Claire Roborel de Climens, Head of Unlisted and Alternative Investments at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, added: "Agility 2's strategy demonstrates that private markets offer growth and diversification opportunities for our clients' portfolios. We are convinced that Private Equity plays a key role in our clients' asset allocation, allowing them to access high-growth unlisted companies and benefit from higher potential returns over the long term than the public markets."
Agility 2 is a Specialized Professional Fund (FPS) approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) and managed by BNPP AM’s Private Assets division, which oversees nearly €41 billion (approx. $44.7 billion) in assets under management and advisory as of December 31, 2024.
The fund's strategy aligns with growing investor interest in diversified co-investment solutions across Europe, offering access to high-growth unlisted companies with significant long-term return potential.