Standard Life Private Equity (formerly Standard Life European Private Equity : SEP) aims to achieve long-term total returns (total returns are adjusted to include the reinvestment of dividends) through a diversified portfolio of private equity funds, the majority of which will have a European focus. Historically, SLPE has occupied a unique position within the UK-listed private equity sector as the only fund of funds focused solely on Europe and, while it has refined its strategy, it says it will continue to be the most European focused fund in its peer group. Its portfolio is also more concentrated than most of its peers; the top 10 private equity fund managers comprise 65% of the net asset value and the top 30 underlying companies represent 30%.
We have written a number of notes on the fund that explain how it works,
- “Now with co-investments”, published in May 2019, looks at SLPE’s first co investment with IK investment partners, a recent change to the investment policy
- “Putting capital to work”, published in July 2018, notes how SLPE’s compelling returns from the previous year has laid the ground work for further investment in the fund’s future
- “A good year; more to come?”, published in December 2017, talks about how SLPE posted decent returns, on top of multiple factors improving sentiment towards the private equity sector
- “Loading the portfolio”, published in July 2017, highlights an improving outlook on Europe with fear of market disruption over the next few years which could lead to increased volatility
- “Dividend doubled to 4%”, published in February 2017, looks at SLPE’s newly refined plan that includes measures like increasing the dividend and loosening restrictions
- “Reinvestment phase underway”, published in September 2016, notes how markets are becoming volatile, SLEP’s management looks to shift from a realisation phase to an investment phase
- “Sitting in a sweet spot”, published in May 2016, looks at SLPE’s discount margin and its position within the global private equity market which could benefit their share price
You can access the company’s website here