Investment opportunities in private equity at affordable prices.
In the dynamic world of investments, the global team at Partners Group is dedicated to identifying the most promising trends across all sectors and regions. However, specific data on the top-performing Private Equity UCITS funds over the past decade and their performance during the COVID-19 pandemic can be limited. Here's a glance at what we know:
Private Equity UCITS funds, regulated investment vehicles domiciled in the EU, offer retail investors access to private equity strategies with greater liquidity and regulatory oversight. Their performance over the past decade has generally been strong compared to traditional equity funds, thanks to exposure to private markets. However, returns vary widely by fund and manager, with detailed rankings by decade performance typically available through specialized fund rating agencies or data vendors.
During the Corona crisis (2020 onwards), private equity funds experienced a mixed impact. Early on, many funds faced valuation mark-downs and liquidity pressures. However, subsequent quarters saw recovery, aided by resilient portfolio companies and new capital inflows. The UCITS wrapper helped retail investors maintain access while providing some liquidity options uncommon in traditional private equity.
One notable example is the PGIM UCITS Global AAA CLO Fund, launched in mid-2025, which focuses on AAA-rated CLO tranches and caters to a broader investor base. This innovation in UCITS alternatives offerings post-pandemic underscores the sector's adaptability.
For the most accurate and updated lists of top-performing Private Equity UCITS funds and their performance during the COVID-19 period, it is recommended to consult specialist financial data providers like Preqin, Morningstar, or Lipper by Refinitiv, investment platforms and research reports by private equity fund managers and asset managers active in UCITS, and industry publications and rating agencies’ annual performance summaries for private equity UCITS funds.
Among the standout performers is the Swiss Partners Group Listed Invest.-Listed Priv. Eqty (ISIN: LU0196152788), which has achieved an impressive average annual return of 15% over the past decade. Other examples of UCITS funds include DNB Private Equity (ISIN: LU0302296065), SEB Listed Private Equity (ISIN: LU0385668222), and iShares Listed Private Equity UCITS ETF (ISIN: IE00B1TXHL60*).
Private Equity, an asset class that acquires company capital without going through the capital market, has proven particularly beneficial for start-ups, allowing them to quickly obtain fresh capital without needing a bank loan. It has also demonstrated strong performance after crises, making it one of the strongest performing asset classes this year after the Corona crisis, with a gain of around 30% since the beginning of the year.
The long-term above-average return opportunities of companies whose shares are not yet publicly traded but are convincing due to their unique business model are compelling arguments for investing in the private equity sector. However, it's important to note that struggling companies can also receive a financial boost and be rehabilitated through PE investments, potentially leading to high returns for investors but also significant risks.
The entry barriers for PE investments are high, targeting above-average wealthy private investors or institutional investors with typically seven-figure capital. However, private equity investment opportunities are now available for "average" fund investors through UCITS funds, which are traded on the market.
The Private Equity team at Partners Group is divided into sectors: Consumer Goods, Life & Health, Services, and Technology. Among the approximately 25 positions in the team, US-based financial services firms KKR and Blackstone are the most heavily weighted.
In conclusion, while specific data on the top-performing Private Equity UCITS funds during the COVID-19 pandemic may be limited, the sector's adaptability and potential for strong returns make it an attractive option for investors. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to consult specialist financial data providers, investment platforms, and industry publications.
- The Swiss Partners Group Listed Invest-Listed Priv. Eqty (ISIN: LU0196152788), a Private Equity UCITS fund, has been one of the standout performers, delivering an average annual return of 15% over the past decade.
- Among the global team at Partners Group, the Private Equity sector is divided into Consumer Goods, Life & Health, Services, and Technology, with US-based financial services firms KKR and Blackstone being the most heavily weighted.
