Allocation

In 1980 there were only three listed private equity companies. The listings have increased in the following years up to 50 LPE companies in 1999, making LPE a serious investment niche for investors seeking exposure to the private equity asset class. Since then, the market has more than tripled and reached its peak in 2008 with around 150 LPE companies listed on global stock exchanges. (Link: LPE Chart).

The UK is the most mature listed private equity market and contributes about one-third to total LPE market. The remaining two-thirds are divided about equally between Europe ex UK and North America. The Asia/Pacific region only makes about 4% of total LPE listings. (Link: LPE Geographic Allocation)

Direct private equity investment companies contribute more than two-thirds to total listed private equity companies. (Link: LPE Categorization)