Marco Masotti Quoted in FundFire on Rise in GP-Led Deals

Private Funds Group co-head Marco Masotti was quoted in an article, “Blackstone Shoots for Record $20B Secondaries Fundraise,” published on October 27 by FundFire. The article discusses how secondaries deals – in which specialist managers buy up stakes in existing primary private equity funds – have evolved into a significant market segment with ample opportunities for deals and a rush by big players, including Blackstone Group, to participate.

Marco highlights how the rise in continuation funds, new vehicles set up to take on the portfolio investments of a fund nearing the end of its lifespan, is fueling the GP-led side of the market. “Almost all of our clients are considering a continuation fund or are in the process,” he says. “The appetite by LPs and the willingness of GPs to do them is very significant.” Although the budget reconciliation bill currently being negotiated by Congress could potentially make continuation funds more difficult to execute, GP-led deals are likely to continue growing, Marco says.