Providing Liquidity for Private Equity Assets Since 1986

Private Equity is considered to be an illiquid asset class and Limited Partners are typically obligated to retain their commitments for the life of the investments. However, Adams Street and its Secondary Investment Team provide liquidity solutions for private equity investors who would like to restructure their investment portfolios.

• A Leader in Private Equity

  Adams Street is a recognized pioneer and leader of the private equity industry. Adams Street established the first recognized institutional private equity fund of funds vehicle in 1979, drove the establishment of private equity industry standards and provided liquidity solutions via the secondary market since 1986. Our reputation and extensive knowledge of private equity make us a partner of choice. Sellers perceive us as an efficient and discreet buyer and general partners appreciate us as a desirable substitute limited partner.

• Experience

  20 years of secondary investment experience allow Adams Street to complete the most demanding secondary transactions. Our execution of a secondary transaction is known to be efficient and prompt due to our global knowledge of the pricing of private equity portfolio assets as well as the legal, tax and accounting issues affiliated with a secondary transaction.

• Flexibility and Innovation

  Adams Street’s unique global fund structure provides for great flexibility in executing secondary transactions. We work closely with the seller to find the optimal structure to meet its needs. We have completed secondary transactions that are highly concentrated or widely diversified, funded or unfunded, a large portfolio of fund interests or a small single fund interest, as well as portfolios of private companies.

• Capital Availability

  Adams Street currently manages over $12 billion in private equity assets and can dedicate a significant portion of its capital to the purchase of secondary investments. We are a reliable partner for the sellers of private equity interests with more than $1 billion available for secondary transactions.

• Discreet

  We handle transactions with strict confidentiality. Adams Street appreciates that discretion is more important than media attention in order to maintain our reputation within the industry.