First Eagle to Sell Majority Stake to Genstar Capital
Deal News | Mar 03, 2025 | Corsair Capital

First Eagle Investments, an independent investment management firm, has entered into a definitive agreement with Genstar Capital whereby Genstar will acquire a majority stake in the company. This investment will enable First Eagle to maintain its client-centric focus and operational independence while expanding its investment capabilities and client reach. The transaction comes as a result of changes in ownership by private equity funds managed by Corsair Capital and Blackstone, which have held the majority economic interest in First Eagle since 2015. First Eagle's leadership and investment philosophy will remain intact, ensuring continuity in its strategic growth. As part of this arrangement, Genstar aims to leverage First Eagle's strong market position and investment-led culture to capitalize on growth trends within the investment management industry. With its new partnership with Genstar, First Eagle looks to enhance its suite of services and accelerate growth through acquisitions and organic expansions. The financial and legal support for the transaction is being managed by key advisors, including Morgan Stanley and Moelis & Company, with closure expected in the second half of 2025, contingent upon regulatory approvals.
Sectors
- Investment Management
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The deal involves US-based firms: First Eagle Investments headquartered in New York, Genstar Capital based in San Francisco, and Corsair with its private markets business presence.
Industry
- Investment Management – First Eagle Investments operates in the investment management sector, offering services including equity, fixed income, and alternative credit strategies.
- Private Equity – Genstar Capital, Corsair Capital, and Blackstone all operate within the private equity industry, making investments in various sectors and managing assets.
Financials
- $144 billion – Assets under management by First Eagle Investments as of December 31, 2024.
- $49 billion – Assets under management by Genstar Capital.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
First Eagle Investments | Target Company | Company | An independent, privately owned investment management firm based in New York. |
Genstar Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A leading private equity firm focused on targeted segments across multiple industries. |
Corsair Capital | Selling Company | Company | A specialist investment firm with a focus on private markets, including financial services and infrastructure. |
Blackstone | Co-Selling Company | Company | The world's largest alternative asset manager. |
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Acting as legal counsel to First Eagle. |
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Also acting as legal counsel to First Eagle. |
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | The lead financial advisor to First Eagle. |
BofA Securities | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to First Eagle. |
UBS Investment Bank | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to First Eagle. |
Jefferies | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to First Eagle. |
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Acting as legal counsel to Genstar. |
Moelis & Company LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | The lead financial advisor to Genstar. |
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to Genstar. |
Barclays | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to Genstar. |
BMO Capital Markets | Financial Advisor | Company | Providing financial advisory support to Genstar. |