Carlyle Group Shifts Investment Focus to Technology and Financial Services

Private equity firm Carlyle Group has announced its plans to redirect its investment strategy away from consumer, media, and retail companies in the United States. The firm aims to focus on key sectors such as technology and financial services, according to a memo sent to employees by Carlyle’s Americas private equity co-heads, Sandra Horbach and Brian Bernasek.

The decision to deemphasize the consumer, media, and retail sectors in the US comes as Carlyle acknowledges the increasingly challenging investment trends in this space. As part of this shift, four dealmakers specializing in these sectors will be leaving the firm.

However, Carlyle will continue to invest in consumer, media, and retail sectors in other regions, including Europe and Asia. In North America, the firm’s active investments in the consumer sector include well-known brands such as Beautycounter, Compana Pet Brands, and Every Man Jack.

Carlyle’s private equity business will now concentrate its US strategy on five key sectors: healthcare, technology, industrials, financial services, and government services. To strengthen its efforts in financial services, Carlyle has appointed Will McMullan as co-head of the unit alongside Jim Burr. Additionally, Anna Tye has been named co-head for technology investments, while retaining her existing role as co-head of growth investments.

These strategic moves by Carlyle Group reflect its commitment to positioning its platform and team for future success. By focusing on sectors with promising growth potential, such as technology and financial services, Carlyle aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.

Source: Reuters