Deal creates $23B PE platform across primaries, secondaries, co-investments globally
Montreal based global alternative asset manager Sagard, which recently joined forces with a US firm to boost its reach within the wealth channel, is to merge its private equity business with Unigestion, a European middle-market private equity firm.
The combined platform will manage more than US$23 billion in private equity assets, with Sagard’s total assets under management reaching about US$44 billion once the deal closes. Unigestion’s non-private equity activities are not part of the transaction.
Sagard’s existing direct private equity strategies in France and Canada will also remain independent.
Unigestion is known for its customised private equity offerings, working with institutional investors, family offices and other sophisticated clients through both tailored mandates and pooled funds. That approach complements Sagard’s broader global network, infrastructure and multi-strategy capabilities. Together, the new platform will cover primaries, secondaries and co-investments.
“Unigestion, a firm with a long and successful history under the leadership of Bernard Sabrier, and a culture that is highly aligned with Sagard's, brings deep investment expertise, strong investor relationships and formidable investment discipline,” says Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO of Sagard. “Unigestion's track record of building deep client relationships by crafting customized private equity programs makes them a natural partner for Sagard as we take this next step toward becoming a global leader in the middle market.”
As part of the agreement, Bernard Sabrier, group chairman of Unigestion will become chairman of the joint private equity platform and vice chairman of Sagard’s Board.
“This combination paves the way for a new growth chapter and will be first and foremost beneficial to our LPs. Sagard's values and long-term orientation align closely with ours,” says Sabrier. “It allows us to remain true to the entrepreneurial DNA and client focus that define Unigestion, while positioning us for long-term growth within a broader global firm.”
Jonathan Tétrault, managing partner at Sagard, will take on the role of CEO of the merged platform.
"This partnership will considerably accelerate our journey to become a global leader in middle market private equity. It also marks a key milestone in our strategic expansion across both Europe and Asia. I look forward to working with Christophe de Dardel and Mark Zünd, who will continue to lead Unigestion's private equity business, in building out our combined platform," says Tétrault.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
