BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink discusses the acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners and its impact on the private capital industry. They explore the journey of GIP's founder Adebayo Ogunlacey and the challenges faced by the industry due to rising interest rates. The podcast also highlights the growing popularity of unlisted investments and their potential inclusion in retirement plans.
BlackRock's acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners marks its expansion into alternative assets and sets a tone for increased partnerships within the private capital sector.
The BlackRock-GIP deal symbolizes a shift in the private capital industry towards becoming more mainstream and accessible to a wider range of investors.
Deep dives
BlackRock's Acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners
BlackRock, the asset management giant, recently acquired Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a major player in the private capital sector, in a deal worth $12.5 billion. This acquisition marks BlackRock's expansion into alternative assets, such as private credit, private equity, hedge funds, and infrastructure. By merging their existing infrastructure business, BlackRock and GIP have become the second-largest private infrastructure business in the world. This deal not only transforms BlackRock's offerings in the alternative assets space but also sets a tone for increased partnerships and collaborations within the private capital sector.
The Significance of the BlackRock-GIP Deal
The acquisition of GIP by BlackRock has broader implications for Wall Street and the private capital industry. As the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock aims to become a dominant player in alternative assets, where it has yet to reach its full potential. This deal positions BlackRock to achieve that goal, especially in the infrastructure sector. Moreover, the acquisition serves as a wake-up call for other firms in the private capital industry, prompting them to reassess their strategies, consider partnerships, and develop deeper relationships with larger institutions like BlackRock.
The Future of Private Capital Investment
The BlackRock-GIP deal symbolizes a shift in the private capital industry towards becoming more mainstream and accessible to a wider range of investors. This move aligns with the growing demand for unlisted investments, driven by low interest rates and the need for higher returns. Private investment funds are expected to become increasingly prevalent and appeal to individual investors, leading to further consolidation and alliances among firms in the private capital sector. The goal is to expand the reach of these funds and eventually include them in mainstream investment vehicles, such as retirement plans.
BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink has been on the hunt for the money manager’s next “transformational” deal. Earlier this month, Fink revealed that he had finally found it with the acquisition of a private capital firm, Global Infrastructure Partners. The FT’s US financial editor Brooke Masters and US private capital correspondent Antoine Gara explain why BlackRock wanted GIP, and how this deal sets the agenda for Wall Street this year.
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