Leslie Picker

Global Private Equity Outlook

Leslie Picker, Leon Black, Bruce Flatt, Robert Smith, Jonathan Sokoloff, John Sokoloff

Representing a combined $600 billion in assets under management, panelists from Apollo, Brookfield, Vista Equity, and Leonard Green & Partners discussed navigating a market characterized by rising valuations, $1.8 trillion in global dry powder, and a shift toward sponsor-to-sponsor exits. The leaders detailed distinct operational strategies ranging from Apollo's distressed debt focus and Brookfield's permanent capital model to Vista's software specialization, all while rejecting heavy consultant reliance in favor of internal value creation teams. Despite significant fundraising record-breaking activity and a growing international investor base, the group unanimously opposed increased regulation, arguing that their long-term ownership structure offers superior governance and alignment compared to public markets.