Ardian shareholders expand stakes in the firm
- The Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM) and Wafra, two of Ardian’s key shareholders, expand shareholdings through new investment
- As part of the transaction, existing shareholder AXA sells down its holding, but will continue its long-term partnership with Ardian’s funds as an LP
- The agreement is an endorsement of the strength of shareholder value and conviction in Ardian’s strategy
Ardian, the global private investment firm, today announces the signing of a share purchase agreement that will see the Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM) and Wafra, two existing shareholders of the business, increase their respective shareholdings in the company. As part of this transaction, AXA will sell its entire 10% interest, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
This investment will take ACM‘s stake in Ardian to 23% while Wafra will also invest additional capital following its initial minority investment in 2025. Both will increase their investment by exercising pre-emption rights available to existing shareholders. Ardian’s employees will continue to remain the largest shareholder group, accounting for around 40% of shares.
In parallel, AXA will continue its long-standing partnership as one of the principal investors in Ardian’s funds.
Completion of the agreement is expected to occur between late 2026 and early 2027.
„AXA has been our close partner from the very beginning, when I was first asked to create a private equity firm by Claude Bébéar in 1996 and Ardian, then AXA Private Equity, was born. I am grateful to see this 30-year partnership continue to flourish with AXA’s renewed faith in our strategy through its investments as a client, alongside the strengthened demand from our internationally diverse shareholder base.”
- DOMINIQUE SENEQUIER ● CEO & FOUNDER OF ARDIAN
„Opportunities to acquire Ardian shares arise infrequently and demand is consistently oversubscribed. The deepening of ACM and Wafra’s respective investments in Ardian, in tandem with AXA’s continued partnership as one of our leading clients, is a strong endorsement of the business that has been built up over the past three decades and where we now stand today as a global investment firm with $200bn AUM. We look forward to continuing to create sustainable value for all of our shareholders.”
- MARK BENEDETTI ● CO-CEO OF ARDIAN
“We are pleased to see continued demand from our existing shareholder base with this agreement. It further strengthens our international ownership while preserving the long-term governance and culture model that continues to underpin Ardian’s success.”
- PATRICK THOMAS ● CHAIRMAN OF ARDIAN’S SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
ABOUT ARDIAN
In a world of constant evolution, Ardian stands out for its ability to anticipate, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. As a global, diversified private markets firm with 22 offices and more than 350 investment professionals worldwide, we provide investment and customized solutions that reflect new economic dynamics and help our clients remain resilient in a changing world.
We deliver multi-local expertise and long-term performance for our investors and partners as well as shared value for the broader society. Since Ardian’s inception in 1996, our pioneering approach to diversification and our ability to offer tailor-made solutions at scale have remained the heart of our strategy.
Through commitment, knowledge and technology, we bring lasting value to our companies and contribute positively to the whole industry.
Ardian currently manages or advises $200bn for more than 1,920 clients worldwide across Private Equity, Real Assets, and Credit.
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