First Eagle's Next Chapter: Genstar Capital to Acquire Majority Stake

Deal News | Mar 03, 2025 | Corsair Capital

First Eagle's Next Chapter: Genstar Capital to Acquire Majority Stake

First Eagle Investments has announced a significant development where private equity funds managed by Genstar Capital will acquire a majority stake in the company. This transaction will enable First Eagle to further its growth, maintaining its leadership and investment teams while expanding its robust offerings worldwide. Serving its clients' needs discursively, First Eagle emphasizes delivering superior investment products and services. The acquisition aligns with Genstar's strategy of investing in high-growth, market-leading companies within targeted segments. It will replace the former majority ownership held by Blackstone, Corsair, and co-investors. Financial advisors and legal counsel, including Morgan Stanley and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, are involved, with the deal completion anticipated in the second half of 2025 subject to regulatory approvals.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Investment Management
  • Financial Services

Geography

  • United States – First Eagle Investments is headquartered in New York, and Genstar Capital is based in San Francisco, making the U.S. the primary geography of this transaction.

Industry

  • Private Equity – The article discusses a significant investment by private equity firm Genstar Capital in First Eagle Investments, which is central to the transaction.
  • Investment Management – First Eagle Investments operates in the sector of investment management, offering diversified investment solutions.
  • Financial Services – Both First Eagle and Genstar Capital are involved in the broader financial services industry.

Financials

  • $144 billion – Assets under management by First Eagle Investments as of December 31, 2024.
  • $49 billion – Assets under management by Genstar Capital.
  • $1.1 trillion – Assets under management by Blackstone.
  • $13.6 billion – Capital invested by Corsair.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
First Eagle InvestmentsTarget companyCompanyAn independent, privately owned investment management firm headquartered in New York.
Genstar CapitalBidding CompanyCompanyA leading private equity firm focused on investments in financial services, software, healthcare, and industrials.
BlackstoneSelling CompanyCompanyThe world's largest alternative asset manager and former majority stakeholder in First Eagle.
Corsair CapitalSelling CompanyCompanyA specialist investment firm involved in financial services investments, also a former stakeholder in First Eagle.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCLead Financial AdvisorCompanyActing as the lead financial advisor to First Eagle.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProviding legal counsel to First Eagle for the transaction.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProviding additional legal counsel to First Eagle.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProviding legal counsel to Genstar Capital.
Moelis & Company LLCLead Financial AdvisorCompanyActing as the lead financial advisor to Genstar Capital.