Hermes Private equity (HPE) is the investment arm of Hermes dedicated to investing in private equity. It has over £1.5 billion* committed to private equity on behalf of its principal clients, the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS) and the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP).

HPE’s historic activity was limited primarily to investing in third parties’ private equity funds. HPE continues to do this through a dedicated team of four experienced professionals. This investment programme is diversified by geography (Europe and North America) and by type of investment (Venture Capital, Mid-market buy-out funds and Large buy-out funds). HPE also manages the Hermes UOB Fund of Funds, which is now fully committed.

More recently, the direct investment activity has been established with a new team of six experienced private equity professionals that manage a limited partnership vehicle, Hermes Private Equity Partners I (HPEP I) which had a first close in 2003 with a commitment from BTPS of £200 million. HPE originates and leads mid-market buy-outs and development capital deals in the UK including secondary buy-outs and recapitalisation transactions. HPE will also invest in transactions in western continental Europe where it has relationships with established local partners.

For more information please visit the Hermes Private Equity website.

*As at 30 September 2008.