Advent International, which manages approximately $3.5 billion, is one of the largest private equity investment firms in the world. The firm has over 90 employees and offices in 15 countries. Founded in 1984, Advent has invested in over 400 companies worldwide. More than 100 of those companies have completed initial public offerings on local and international stock exchanges. Among its investors, Advent counts a number of pension funds, university endowments such Harvard and Notre Dame, corporations and foundations.

Investment strategy

Advent invests in companies at all stages, from start-ups to later stage investments. The firm will invest up to $200 million in equity for a transaction. They will also take minority equity positions, and transact leveraged recapitalizations and management buyouts.

The portfolio

Advent invests in numerous industries with a strong emphasis on "high-growth or countercyclical sectors" including media and cable television (such as @Entertainment and Thomson Directories), information technology (Cellit and HomePortfolio.com), healthcare (National PetCare Centers and Managed Healthcare Associates), specialty chemicals (Oxford Chemicals and Pemco International), and consumer products and retailing (Dollar Express and Forster Manufacturing). The company also invests in energy, low cost manufacturing and building materials, and biotechnology. The company divides its investments into four geographic categories: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Successful on the Continent