Private Equity Investments

IFM Investors is an established and highly regarded private equity investor, investing in the asset class since 1998. 

Our approach is based on combining strong investor alignment and well-honed capabilities in the quest to deliver compelling relative and absolute returns.

Learn about our Private Equity portfolio
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Private Equity growth

Private Equity growth

PRIVATE EQUITY - VIDEO 1

Why Australian Private Equity

Institutional investors are increasingly looking to Australian private equity allocations to enhance returns. 

 

Adrian Kerley, an Executive Director in our Private Equity teams, explores how investors can access the plentiful and potentially more profitable Australian mid-market sector.

PRIVATE EQUITY - VIDEO 2

The Australian mid-market opportunity

Australia’s private equity market, particularly in the lower and middle market sectors, offers a broad and diverse opportunity set. 

 

Valuations are relatively lower, with founders increasingly seeking both capital and strategic growth partners. Additionally, the segment attracts less competition than larger markets.

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Timing and market dynamics

The recent resurgence of private equity investment is driven by institutional investors seeking active value creation and enhanced returns.

 

Australian businesses, particularly in the lower-middle market, are increasingly looking for equity partners to accelerate growth, manage risks, and build long-term capabilities.

PRIVATE EQUITY - VIDEO 1

Creating impact at pace

Our growth equity strategy aims to invest in established businesses with clear and actionable growth plans.

 

In a targeted manner we look to positively change the trajectory of the business to generate higher equity returns at an accelerated rate.

 

Ultimately, we want to build a business that will thrive long after we’ve exited.

PRIVATE EQUITY - VIDEO 2

Aligning the heart, head and feet

When it comes to value creation, we apply an approach we describe as aligning the ‘heart, head and feet’.

 

This is designed to drive results by engaging all employees, focusing efforts on what makes a difference and driving action.

PRIVATE EQUITY

Smart Urban Properties Australia Limited (SUPA)

Smart Urban Properties Australia (SUPA) provides embedded essential services and building technologies to multi-occupant properties in Australia. 

 

When we assessed SUPA initially, we looked at it through a combination of macro factors and its purpose. And in all aspects we take a very active, hands-on approach, always seeking to maximise value for our investors.

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Our strategies

Our private equity investment activities are focused on two distinct and differentiated strategies.

Both strategies are flexible to take minority or majority interests with the aim of taking an active approach to support value creation, sustainable investing and other specific initiatives for the business.

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Capital for growth

We focus on providing capital directly to resilient companies with actionable growth plans based in Australia or New Zealand. By partnering with like-minded founders and management teams, we aim to accelerate and support growth and build capabilities for long-term success.

We seek companies with resilient business models and a clear growth agenda, where our capital and expertise can make a positive impact on the company and provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors.

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What makes us different

Owned by industry super funds; inspired by their members, we are one of the largest and oldest private markets managers in Australia. As a result, we have deep, long-established and extensive networks.

Our team of private equity specialists collectively have more than 100 years of combined investment experience.

Our activity is supported by our Executive and Value Creation Network, a collective of senior industry executives with sector and functional expertise who provide tangible strategic and operating insights, as well as access to their extensive networks. This network – alongside our investment team – are instrumental in the design and execution of the transformative value creation blueprint devised for each investment.

24

private equity specialists in our diverse, experienced team 

A$1.1bn

private equity FUM (funds under management)

25+

years of private equity experience

Long-term

view to asset investment and business growth 

Innovative

value creation approach 

Sustainable Investing

Integration to build talented, diverse, sustainable businesses

All data as at 31 Dec 2024

Focused and repeatable value creation

We apply a systematic approach to value creation, which aims to accelerate revenue, earnings and business growth for private equity investments.

  • Target objectives
  • Success measures
  • Value levers
  • Sequencing
  • Fast Start

  • Strategy

  • Talent & culture

  • Sustainability

  • Tracking

  • Impact

  • Acceleration

  • Collaboration

  • Portfolio review

  • Re-underwriting

  • Hold/sell decision

  • Exit planning

Sustainable investing

In early 2022, we achieved carbon neutrality across our private equity portfolio for FY21 emissions. Every company in our portfolio was fully certified as carbon neutral by Climate Active, in line with standards set by the Australian government. 

Cultivating purpose-driven cultures, promoting fair and inclusive workplace practices, and reducing our portfolio’s carbon footprint are key elements of our sustainable investing approach and integral to creating value for our investors and their members and beneficiaries.

2030 interim target on the road to Net Zero

We are targeting a 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, from a 2020 baseline.

We are also supporting our portfolio companies across the value chain to work with suppliers, customers, channel partners and industry peers to reduce Scope 3 emissions and contribute to economy-wide decarbonisation.

“We are focused on building successful, sustainable companies with cultures that authentically engage teams, customers and other stakeholders.”

Stuart Wardman-Browne
Head of Private Equity
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