Private Equity in Canada

Modern PE era began in the 1990s

Canada's PE industry grew in the 1990s with the privatization of state assets and the development of a strong institutional investor base. The market is characterized by a focus on natural resources, financial services, and industrial sectors. Canadian PE firms are increasingly active in the US and globally, with a strong emphasis on operational value creation.

Key characteristics

• Natural resources and industrials focus
• Strong institutional capital
• US and global cross-border activity
• Operational value creation emphasis
• Mature mid-cap market

Major firms

• Brookfield Asset Management
• CDPQ
• Manulife
• Power Corporation
• Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

The AI angle

Canadian PE firms are adopting AI for operational efficiency in resources, logistics, and financial services. The focus is on practical applications that drive cost savings and productivity, particularly in energy and infrastructure.

Other markets

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Japan