Preqin Investor Outlook: Private Equity
Preqin Investor Outlook: Private Equity
Preqin Investor Outlook: Private Equity
H1 2012 The Opinions of 100 Leading LPs on the Market and Their Plans for the Next 12 Months
Methodology:
Preqin, the alternative assets industrys leading source of data and intelligence, welcomes you to the H1 2012 edition of Preqin Investor Outlook: Private Equity, a unique look at investors in the asset class, their current opinions of the market and the outlook for fundraising in the year ahead. Preqin Investor Outlook draws on the results of detailed interviews conducted with over 100 institutional investors from around the world during December 2011. The sample of LPs was selected from Preqins Investor Intelligence database, the most comprehensive and accurate source of information on investors in private equity funds available today, and the interviews were carried out by our skilled teams of multi-lingual analysts. Speaking directly to institutions located across the globe has enabled us not only to provide in-depth analysis of their current views and opinions, but to accompany this with comments from key investment professionals in their own words, providing readers with a unique insight into the attitudes of the leading investors in private equity. We hope that you find the information included within this report useful and interesting and, as always, we welcome any feedback and suggestions you may have for future editions.
Contents:
Fundraising in 2011 Investors Returns Expectations Re-ups and New Relationships Biggest Challenges Facing LPs Direct, Co-Investments and Secondaries Key Geographies and Strategies in 2012 What Can Do GPs Do to Stand Out? Allocations and Intentions for 2012 and Beyond Preqin: A Direct Approach to Investor Intelligence About Preqin p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12
Fundraising in 2011
There was a strong start to fundraising in 2011, with the first half of the year seeing a quarter-on-quarter increase in the amount of capital raised by private equity funds, before it began to falter in Q3 as the eurozone crisis took hold. Despite volatile conditions in the wider financial markets, the vast majority of investors remain optimistic towards private equity, and are persisting with their private equity investment programs. Preqin interviewed a global pool of 100 institutional investors in December 2011 to discuss their opinions on the current private equity market and to assess their plans for the asset class going forward.
A sizeable 66% of investors made new fund commitments in 2011, an increase from the 58% that made new commitments over the course of 2010. Furthermore, a third of investors interviewed committed more capital to private equity funds in 2011 than in 2010, and a further 12% committed capital in 2011 having not made any commitments in 2010, as Fig. 1 indicates. Twenty-seven percent of investors committed the same amount of capital in 2011 as in 2010. Impact of Volatile Markets Sixty-one percent of investors have not changed their opinion of the asset class as a result of the economic instability caused by the European debt crisis, while a fifth (20%) of investors feel more positive about private equity as a result of market volatility over the second half of 2011. Nineteen percent of investors interviewed told us they view private equity more negatively as a result of volatility in wider financial markets, in particular as a result of the European sovereign debt crisis. Like many investors we spoke to, an Australian superannuation scheme feels that public markets are more volatile and risky in times like this, so private equity becomes more attractive. A Canadian endowment told us: [There is] more value in private equity after [the] fall in public markets. Many investors we spoke to also feel that the current climate in Europe is opening up opportunities in certain markets, as a Singaporean investment company acknowledged: The volatility has not negatively influenced our attitude towards Fig. 1: Amount of Capital Investors Committed To Private Equity Funds in 2011 Compared to 2010 private equity since we feel there could be opportunities in the current situation in terms of distressed assets in need of funding. Allocation Levels As Fig. 2 illustrates, 35% of investors are currently below their targeted level of exposure to the asset class and are therefore likely to make new commitments in 2012 as they build towards their target allocations. Forty-nine percent are at their target allocation and 16% are currently overexposed to the asset class.
35% of investors are currently below their targeted level of exposure to the asset class
When comparing the results of LPs based in different regions, it is interesting to note that almost a third (32%) of investors based in North America are above their target allocations, compared to just 11% and 8% in Europe and Asia and Rest of World respectively. Forty-two percent of investors based in Europe are currently below their target allocations, compared to 14% of North American investors.
Fig. 2: Proportion of Investors At, Above or Below Their Target Allocations to Private Equity
100%
Significantly More Capital in 2011 than in 2010 Slightly More Capital in 2011 than in 2010 18% 17% Same Amount of Capital in 2011 than in 2010 Slightly Less Capital in 2011 than in 2010 27% Significantly Less Capital in 2011 than in 2010 Did Not Invest in 2010 but Invested in 2011
90%
13%
19%
16%
Proportion of Respondents
12% 11%
15%
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Dec-2010 Jun-2011 Dec-2011 36% 35% Below Target Allocation 33% 54% 45% 49% At Target Allocation Above Target Allocation
Source: Preqin
Source: Preqin
Almost two-thirds of investors expect their private equity investments to achieve returns in excess of 400 basis points over public markets...
Nineteen percent of investors feel dissatisfied with the returns their private equity investments have delivered, a greater proportion than the 13% of investors that felt their private equity investments had fallen short of expectations when asked in a similar study at the same time last year. A Danish pension fund we spoke to noted: Only one fund has lived up to our expectations, the rest have underperformed. An asset manager in the UK stated: Distributions lately have been lower than expected. A number of investors noted that their expected levels of returns vary for different types of fund and, while returns from certain strategies have been disappointing, private equity on the whole Fig. 3: Proportion of Investors that Feel Their Private Equity Fund Investments Have Lived up to Expectations
90% 80% 78% 71% 70% Exceeded Expectations
75%
90%
Proportion of Respondents
Proportion of Respondents
Public Market +4.1% and Over Public Market +2.1% to +4% Public Market +2%
Met Expectations
25%
12% 3% Dec-2010
7% 5% Dec-2011
Dec-2009
Dec-2010
Dec-2011
Source: Preqin
Source: Preqin
84% of LPs will consider forming some new GP relationships over the next 12 months...
Managers should be aware that while many investors are likely to add some new GPs to their portfolios, several are also likely to terminate some existing relationships, as a UK pension fund told us: [We] may invest with some new GPs and drop old ones to maintain the number in our portfolio. Attitudes to First-Time Funds The uncertain financial climate is ensuring that emerging managers face tougher challenges as investors continue to be reluctant to commit to funds raised by new teams; 55% of investors told us they will not consider investing in a first-time Fig. 5: Likely Changes to the Number of GP Relationships Maintained by Investors in the Longer Term
Fig. 6: Investors Intentions Regarding Forming New GP Relationships over the Next 12 Months
10%
3%
Only Re-ups with Existing Managers 16% Mostly Re-ups; Consider Some New GP Relationships A Mix of Re-ups and New GP Relationships Mostly New GP Relationships; Consider Some Reups Only New GP Relationships
29% 42%
Source: Preqin
Source: Preqin
The biggest challenge is finding a good manager with a reputable track record and cohesive team that does not deviate from its initial mandate. A lot of fund managers go off the agreed track halfway through which is frustrating. A Malaysian public pension fund
Finding the right partner and right opportunities. Its easy for GPs to prove records, but difficult to repeat records, so reliability is very important, but surprisingly hard to find. A Hong Kong-based corporate investor
For banks especially it is difficult as there are new regulations making it difficult to invest. An Austrian bank
Funding levels are so depressed. No-one is taking chances, and all is very conservative. A US public pension fund
So many competitors for the same fund managers all challenging for capital. A US endowment
Choosing the right fund manager in the first place, as once you have committed your capital, there is no turning back. A UK public pension fund
The biggest issue facing LPs is negotiating good terms, particularly with regards to carry structure. A Danish bank
Sifting through GPs as so many are fundraising at the moment, it is hard to find the good ones. A US insurance company
Seventy-four percent of investors expect to increase their level of secondary market activity in 2012...
LPs that expressed an interest in making direct and/or coinvestments alongside fund managers were asked if they expect their level of activity in these areas to change in 2012 compared to 2011. As Fig. 8 illustrates, a significant proportion of LPs expect to increase their direct exposure in the coming year. Sixtyeight percent of those already involved in investing directly on a proprietary basis plan to increase their activity in this area in 2012, and 58% of those involved in co-investment plan to step up their level of co-investment activity over the next 12 months, while just 5% and 3% of LPs active in the respective areas expect to reduce their exposure to direct and co-investments respectively. It is interesting to note that none of the investors we spoke to with an interest in purchasing fund stakes on the secondary market Fig. 7: Investors Preferred Methods of Investing Directly in Private Companies
70% 60%
Fig. 8: Investors Expectations of Their Direct Investment and Secondary Market Activity in 2012
100% 90% 5% 3% Decrease Activity in 2012 Compared to 2011 74% Maintain Activity in 2012 Compared to 2011 68% 58% 26% Increase Activity in 2012 Compared to 2011
Proportion of Respondents
Proportion of Respoondetns
60%
27%
39%
50%
10%
0% Investing Directly on a Proprietary Basis Co-Investing Alongside GPs Do Not Invest Directly
Direct Investments in Direct Investments in Private Companies on Private Companies as a a Proprietary Basis Co-Investor Alongside GPs
Source: Preqin
Source: Preqin
In terms of the regions that investors feel currently offer the best opportunities, 60% of investors view Asia as particularly attractive. North America is also an attractive region for several investors, named by 42% of LPs. Seventy percent of investors told us there are no regions that they are avoiding at present; however, of the investors that are avoiding certain regions, the highest proportion named Europe as a region they would not look to invest in where they would have previously sought exposure. Appetite for Emerging Markets Emerging markets continue to attract strong interest from investors. Seventy-six percent of investors will consider investing in emerging markets, an increase of six percentage points from December 2010, when 70% of investors were open to investing in emerging markets. Furthermore, 99% of investors that invest in emerging markets expect to maintain (66%) or increase (33%) their allocation to emerging markets over the next 12 months. Fig. 9 shows the countries and regions within emerging markets that investors feel are currently presenting attractive investment opportunities. Asia remains the most cited region within emerging markets, named by 43% of investors. Thirty-three percent specifically named China as presenting attractive opportunities. It is interesting to note that fewer investors (12%) named India specifically as presenting attractive opportunities, a much lower proportion than in our December 2010 study, when India was named by 35% of LPs.
Key Strategies for 2012 Fig. 10 shows that small to mid-market buyout funds remain the most attractive to investors, with 45% of respondents naming these funds as presenting good opportunities in the current market, and 49% of LPs looking to invest in such funds over 2012. Distressed private equity and secondaries funds are also appealing to many investors, with over a quarter (26%) expecting to allocate capital to distressed funds in 2012 and 16% seeking secondaries opportunities.
For many investors, the fund types presenting attractive opportunities vary depending on which region they are targeting. An asset manager based in the Netherlands said: The best fund types depend on the region in Europe and the US buyout funds present the best opportunities, in emerging markets, growth and late-stage venture funds present the best opportunities. Seventeen percent of investors feel venture funds are presenting attractive opportunities, and 11% feel growth funds are attractive to invest in at present.
Fig. 9: Countries and Regions within Emerging Markets that Investors View as Presenting Attractive Opportunities
Asia China Brazil South America Central & Eastern Europe India Africa Russia Other 0% 5% 5% 5% 8% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 12% 12% 25% 23% 33%
43%
Small to Mid-Market Buyout Funds Distressed Private Equity Secondaries Funds Venture Large to Mega Buyout Growth Funds of Funds Mezzanine Other None 5% 4% 5% 4% 7% 9% 8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 16% 19% 15% 17% 16% 15% 10% 11% 11% 26% 28%
49% 45% Areas of the Market Investors Are Seeking to Invest in Over 2012
45%
50%
50%
60%
Source: Preqin
Proportion of Respondents
Source: Preqin
Proportion of Respondents
Its all about differentiating yourself from other GPs and not just doing what everyone else does. A Netherlands-based private sector pension fund
Excellent performance, stable returns and high levels of transparency. A German asset manager
Knowledge of exit multiples. Building of trust between GP and LP is very important. An Austrian bank
Must display a differentiated approach as well as an ability to access niche markets. A Swiss asset manager
Personality, process, performance, price...generally the whole package. A Swiss private sector pension fund
A clear investment proposition, what sort of value it will add against the management fees. A UK private sector pension fund
Good strategy, proven track record, fair terms, exceptional team. A Peruvian private sector pension fund
To stand out for the crowd GPs need to be willing to negotiate on carry structure. A Danish bank
Good returns, alignment of interests, lower management fees so that they only cover operational costs and so fund managers only make money from carried interest; so they make real money from their investment success after five, six or seven years. A Danish bank
Producing good materials and executive summaries that stand out at first glance. A US insurance company
Bring more to the table than just capital. Also have operational experience in various fields. A US foundation
Results over the short and long term in excess of benchmark. A Canadian foundation
Investors remain extremely cautious, and will continue to be very selective about making new fund commitments. For many investors, the timeframe for their next private equity commitments is likely to be impacted by a number of factors, including distributions, liquidity issues and appealing investment opportunities.
shows, and a further 27% expect to increase the pace of their commitments. Investors reasons behind increasing their private equity commitment rate were varied; one Canadian asset manager told us: [Our] appetite is growing and we have received some distributions so have more capital to commit. Many LPs plan to commit more to private equity in order to build towards their target allocations to the asset class, while others noted they are seeing more attractive opportunities in the market. Twelve percent of LPs expect to commit less capital in 2012 than they did in 2011. A further 12% of investors expect to make new commitments in 2012 having held off from committing to new funds in 2011, perhaps an indication that a number of the LPs are regaining their confidence in the asset class. Overall, investors are set to continue investing in private equity funds, as Fig. 12 illustrates. More than a quarter of LPs (27%) expect to increase their allocations to private equity in the longer term and 61% plan to maintain their exposure, while just 12% of investors expect to reduce their allocations to private equity in the next three to five years.
However, managers planning to launch new vehicles in 2012 can be encouraged that 73% of investors plan to make new commitments in 2012. Sixty-two percent expect to invest in H1, and another 11% plan to make their next commitments in the second half of the year. Comparatively, a smaller 63% of investors interviewed in December 2010 told us they planned to make new commitments in 2011, which suggests that more investors are coming back to the market this year. Seventeen percent of investors plan to make new commitments on an opportunistic basis and are therefore likely to consider new commitments should they be presented with attractive opportunities. Managers can take further confidence from the fact that almost half of LPs (49%) making new commitments in 2012 expect to commit at the same rate as they did in 2011, as Fig. 11 Fig. 11: Amount of Capital Investors Plan to Commit to Private Equity Funds in 2012, Compared to 2011
100%
Significantly More Capital in 2012 Than in 2011 21% 10% Slightly More Capital in 2012 Than in 2011 Same Amount of Capital in 2012 As in 2011 Slightly Less Capital in 2012 Than in 2011 49% Significantly Less Capital in 2012 Than in 2011 Did Not Invest in 2011 But Investing in 2012
5%
90%
12%
2%
12%
6%
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Next 12 Months Longer Term 25% 27% Increase Allocation 70% 61% Maintain Allocation Decrease Allocation
Source: Preqin
Source: Preqin
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