(Bloomberg) -- Apax Partners, one of Europe’s largest private equity firms, has secured $7.9 billion for its latest pool of capital, said people familiar with the matter.
The firm told investors on Friday that it had held a first close -- the point at which it can begin spending the money -- for Apax IX, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The firm has a cap of $9 billion for the fund, the people said.
Apax IX is the first global fund that the firm’s raised since Andrew Sillitoe and Mitch Truwit replaced Martin Halusa in December 2013 as co-chief executive officers of the firm. The pool is larger than its predecessor, Apax VIII, for which the firm raised $7.5 billion in June 2013.
A spokesman for Apax declined to comment.
Apax, which has offices across the globe and significant operations in the U.S., has eschewed the diversification drive favored by European peers including CVC Capital Partners and EQT Partners and stuck to buyout investments. However, the firm has broadened its capital sources, raising a $500 million Israel-dedicated pool for smaller deals and listing a permanent capital vehicle, Apax Global Alpha Ltd., in 2015.
This month the firm agreed to purchase Agencyport, a software provider to the property and casualty-insurance industry, according to its website.
The new fund will continue to invest in the firm’s core industries: Consumer, health-care, technology and telecommunications and services businesses, the people said. Apax has raised 35 billion euros for funds through 2015 and currently owns stakes in retail brands Cole Haan and Fullbeauty, according to the company’s website.
