ADQ expands investment reach in Canada

Unsplash/Juan Rojas

• Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund takes stake in asset management firm
• Sagard invests in sectors including venture capital and real estate
• ADQ backing set to accelerate future growth including M&As 

ADQ, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, has expanded in Canada with the acquisition of a stake in global asset management firm Sagard, which has $14.5 billion in assets.

Sagard’s majority shareholder remains Power Corporation of Canada, an investor in Europe and North America.

ADQ is joined as a new minority investor by the Bank of Montreal, and Canadian insurer Great-West Lifeco has increased its existing minority stake.

• Mena wealth funds sharpen up on sustainability 
• Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund ADQ manages $157bn in assets
• Canada and Saudi Arabia restore diplomatic relations

The additional long-term capital investment of these backers is aimed at accelerating Sagard’s future growth in alternative investments, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Sagard has 125 portfolio companies and offices in Canada, the US and Europe. It invests in venture capital, private equity, private credit, real estate and royalties. 

“Sagard’s ability to mobilise investment talent attracted us to partner with them,” Murtaza Hussain, CIO of M&A and alternative investments at ADQ, said. 

Sagard

Paul Desmarais III, CEO of Sagard, added: “These strategic partnerships will accelerate our vision of becoming one of the most respected alternative investment management firms globally. 

“Their capital enables us to attract high-quality investment teams, launch new investment strategies, and fundraise more rapidly. 

“In addition, this will expand our global network for our portfolio companies.”