The Canadian private equity market seems poised for the same type of growth south of the border according to a new report.

Private Equity Canada 2004, produced by Goodman and Carr LLP and McKinsey & Co, provides perspective on key trends shaping the Canadian private equity industry and analyzes both market performance as well as likely implications for participants.

Highlights from Private Equity Canada 2004 include:


  • Capital under management in Canada’s private equity market totalled $51 billion in 2004, up 5% from 2003;
  • For the first time in the survey’s history, the buyout segment emerged as the largest in the Canadian market, up 11% from the previous year;
  • KKR and Bain Capital’s increased presence in Canada shows a hearty U.S. appetite for Canadian firms;
  • General Partners (GPs) “active ownership” approach and the identification of five GP activities that tend to be the most important and effective in driving improved performance.

The report is designed to provide a fact-based perspective on the Canadian private equity market in order to help the industry grow and its participants succeed. The conclusions are based on the market research conducted by Thomson Macdonald in Canada and on McKinsey & Co’s proprietary research in the United States and Europe. The respondents represent Canada’s largest private equity firms — reflecting over 90% of the industry’s capital pool.