Fundraising

Ares' close of the Landmark Partners acquisition this quarter, along with strong fundraising, helped boost the firm's AUM to nearly a quarter trillion dollars.

The firm has also closed on nearly $800m for its debut dedicated GP-led strategy.

Venture capital and infrastructure secondaries made the top 10, while nearly a quarter of all capital closed is payable to Coller's recent effort.

Preferred equity volumes more than doubled in 2020 as GPs sought capital to shore up balance sheets and make acquisitions amid market volatility.

The White Plains-based advisory found in its survey that secondaries has become a strong seller's market.

The $327bn asset manager and adviser is increasing its focus on alternatives, having formed a strategic partnership with Hamilton Lane in March.

Idinvest Secondary Fund IV is already 36% deployed in the European mid-market, which Eurazeo has described as 'under-exploited'.

SOF IV has raised 30% more than its 2017-vintage predecessor from LPs such as San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association.

The New York Life-owned alternatives manager is targeting $500m for Fund VI, 80% more than the amount raised for its predecessor.

The list includes vehicles from Lexington Partners, Blackstone and Landmark Partners as the fundraising environment heats up.