LSP and EQT merge to create top-10 investment firm

The LSP network in the life sciences community has been developed over 33 years and is complementary to EQT’s global healthcare advisory network. Under the deal, the companies will combine their strengths to create one of the world-leading private life sciences investment firms. EQT will bring in its broad investment platform and distribution power. Early-stage investor LSP has raised more than €3bn over the past two decades and has supported the growth of more than 150 companies.

As part of EQT, with more than €70bn in assets under management and 1,100 employees, of whom approximately 80 are dedicated to fundraising activities, LSP can continue to grow its business while leveraging EQT’s capabilities, including fundraising, investor relations and administrative support. This strong backing will allow LSP to devote more time to deal-making and helping its portfolio companies to thrive. According to LSP, the combined network and enriched platform in healthcare will widen LSP’s footprint in the industry, augment the deal flow and increase exit capabilities.

LSP underlined that it will remain independent in its investment processes and decisions.

René Kuijten, Managing Partner at LSP, and incoming Partner and Head of EQT Life Sciences, said, ‘’Europe has many attractive life sciences companies. Together with EQT, one of the largest European private equity firms with more than €70bn under management, LSP can select, develop, and finance these opportunities even better than before. Given the strong cultural fit and the complementarity between our organisations, we are convinced that joining forces is a win-win for our investors, our portfolio companies, our LSP colleagues, and the broader European life sciences ecosystem.”

Per Franzén, Partner and Head of EQT Private Capital, said, “EQT has a long history of developing strong healthcare companies, and today we are one of the largest and most active private equity investors in the sector globally. Integrating LSP within EQT’s Private Capital platform will bring compelling cross-pollination opportunities for our other strategies and complement our sector expertise – making EQT an even better and more innovative healthcare investor.”