Established Buyout GPs to Watch in 2025 Report

Overview

The Established Buyout GPs to Watch in 2025 report spotlights leading private equity firms that have built a strong track record of delivering consistent returns and scaling successful funds over time. Curated from an in-depth review of 650+ firms, this Dakota Research report highlights established managers with four or more institutional funds and $1 billion-plus fund sizes. Combining robust quantitative analysis—IRR, TVPI, DPI, and AUM growth—with qualitative insights on investment strategy, value creation, team expertise, and market reputation, this report gives allocators and investment professionals a data-backed guide to identifying proven buyout managers poised to capitalize on 2025’s opportunities.

Data-driven selection from 650+ firms: Highlights top-performing, mature buyout managers with at least four institutional funds raised and $1B+ in fund size
Comprehensive performance analysis: Evaluates managers using key metrics such as IRR, TVPI, DPI, and AUM growth to identify proven performers across market cycles
Top 10 established GPs for 2025: Features leading firms such as Gridiron Capital, Alpine Investors, GTCR, Clearlake Capital Partners, and Thoma Bravo
Qualitative insights on value creation: Examines how these managers drive sustainable growth, operational improvements, and long-term returns beyond initial capital deployment
Disciplined strategies and sector expertise: Focuses on firms with clear, repeatable investment approaches and deep domain knowledge across industries like healthcare, technology, and industrials
Team strength and market reputation: Assesses the experience, tenure, and recognition of each GP to help allocators identify reliable long-term partners
Detailed manager profiles: Includes in-depth overviews of firms like Gridiron Capital and GTCR, outlining their strategies, deal targets, and notable transactions