Top Private Equity Firms in the Philippines

The Philippines, a thriving hub of economic growth in Southeast Asia, is home to a dynamic and expanding private equity (PE) landscape. With a young, growing population and a resilient economy, the country offers significant growth opportunities for investment in 2025 and beyond.

These firms invest in a range of industries, from consumer and retail to healthcare and infrastructure, helping local companies scale, modernize, and succeed. Their capital and expertise often enhance operational capabilities, foster innovation, and align with broader economic initiatives aimed at sustainable growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the top private equity firms in the Philippines, highlighting their portfolio strategies, sector focus, and notable contributions to both regional expansion and corporate transformation.

1. Navegar Partners

As one of the leading local private equity firms, Navegar Partners was established in 2012 to focus exclusively on the Philippine market. The firm partners with established, family-owned businesses to help them navigate growth, succession, and professionalization.

Navegar typically makes significant minority or majority investments in sectors driven by domestic consumption and a rising middle class, such as consumer goods, retail, and healthcare.

The firm is known for its hands-on, value-add approach, providing not just capital but also strategic and operational guidance. A standout investment is their partnership with Great Deals E-commerce Corp., a leading e-commerce enabler in the Philippines, which they helped scale amidst the digital boom.

By focusing on building long-term, collaborative relationships, Navegar has become a trusted partner for Filipino entrepreneurs aiming for market leadership.

2. Sierra Madre

Founded in 2014, Sierra Madre is a Philippine-focused private equity firm that invests in consumer-driven, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The firm targets companies with strong brand equity and significant growth potential, often taking controlling or significant minority stakes.

Sierra Madre’s investment thesis is built on the strength of the Philippine consumer and the need for local businesses to professionalize and scale. Their portfolio includes well-known local brands, and one of their most notable investments was in the iconic Ligo Sardines brand, where they helped modernize operations and strengthen its market position before a strategic sale.

The firm’s team combines deep local market knowledge with international best practices in finance and operations, making them a key player in empowering the next generation of Filipino enterprises.

3. CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners is a global private equity giant with a significant and long-standing presence in the Philippines. The firm has been actively investing in the country for decades, focusing on large-scale buyouts and growth investments in market-leading companies.

Their extensive global network and deep industry expertise allow them to support Filipino companies in their international expansion and digital transformation efforts. A landmark deal for CVC in the Philippines was its investment in SPi Global, a leading business process outsourcing (BPO) company, which they successfully grew and exited.

More recently, they have been involved in major investments in the digital and telecommunications space, including a partnership with PLDT's Voyager Innovations (the parent of Maya). CVC’s ability to execute complex, large-ticket deals makes it a formidable force in the Philippine PE landscape.

4. KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.)

KKR is another global investment powerhouse that has made substantial inroads into the Philippine market. Known for its large-scale investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, KKR brings a wealth of global resources and operational expertise to its portfolio companies.

Their entry into the Philippines underscores the country's growing importance as a key investment destination in Southeast Asia. KKR has made significant investments in critical sectors, including a major partnership with Metro Pacific Hospitals, the largest private hospital network in the Philippines, to help expand access to quality healthcare.

They have also invested in the country’s energy sector through a partnership with First Gen Corporation. KKR’s strategy focuses on backing industry leaders and investing in essential services that support the country's long-term growth.

5. Baring Private Equity Asia

Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA), now part of EQT Private Capital, is one of the largest and most established private asset management firms in Asia. While their scope is regional, they have been an active investor in the Philippines, targeting high-growth companies with the potential for regional or global expansion.

BPEA focuses on sectors such as technology, business services, and education. The firm uses its pan-Asian network to help Filipino companies enter new markets and adopt global best practices.

Their investment in Virtusa, a global IT services company with significant operations in the Philippines, highlights their focus on the tech and business services sectors. BPEA’s presence provides local companies with a unique opportunity to tap into a broader Asian growth story.

6. Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN)

The Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN) is the country's premier and largest private investors network, playing a foundational role in the Philippine startup ecosystem. While not a traditional private equity firm, MAIN is a critical source of early-stage capital.

It is composed of a diverse group of over 100 individual angel investors including successful entrepreneurs, C-level executives, and industry leaders who pool their capital and expertise to back promising startups.

MAIN provides the crucial "first check" for many Filipino founders, often investing at the seed and pre-seed stages before companies are ready for larger institutional funding. Their value extends far beyond capital; the mentorship, strategic guidance, and network access provided by its members are invaluable.

Notable investments that have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding include Packworks, a B2B platform for sari-sari stores, and the fintech company Qwikwire, demonstrating MAIN's ability to identify and nurture future market leaders.

7. Fortman Cline Capital Markets

Fortman Cline Capital Markets is a leading independent investment bank in the Philippines, specializing in M&A advisory and capital raising for mid-market companies. While not a traditional private equity fund itself, FCCM is a pivotal player in the country's private equity landscape, acting as a key advisor that connects high-growth Filipino companies with strategic and financial investors, including top PE firms.

The firm is renowned for its deep local network and expertise in executing complex transactions, often involving family-owned businesses looking for growth partners or strategic exits.

Fortman Cline’s value lies in its end-to-end advisory services. They work closely with clients to prepare them for a sale or investment, helping with valuation, strategic positioning, and navigating the due diligence process.

By facilitating many of the country's most significant mid-market deals, they have become an indispensable partner for both local entrepreneurs seeking capital and private equity firms looking for high-quality investment opportunities in the Philippines.

8. Philippine Equity Partners, Inc.

Philippine Equity Partners, Inc (PEP) is a leading independent investment bank and stock brokerage firm in the Philippines. While it does not operate as a private equity fund that takes direct principal stakes, PEP plays a vital and indispensable role in the private equity ecosystem. The firm is renowned for its top-tier equity research, corporate finance, and M&A advisory services. Through its long-standing strategic partnership with Credit Suisse, PEP provides local companies and investors with unparalleled access to global capital markets and expertise.

For private equity firms, PEP is a crucial partner for orchestrating successful exits and conducting thorough market analysis. Their expertise in managing Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and block sales provides PE funds with a clear path to realizing returns on their investments.

Furthermore, their institutional research is widely regarded as the gold standard in the market, offering deep insights that PE firms rely on for due diligence and identifying potential investment opportunities.

Let’s Recap

The Philippines is home to some of the most influential private equity firms in Southeast Asia, prioritizing value creation and long-term impact across industries. These firms stand out due to their sector expertise, strategic holding structures, and the ability to maximize returns while supporting business resilience in a high-growth market increasingly shaped by digitalization and technological transformation.

If you're an entrepreneur or business owner looking to take your company to the next level in 2025, identifying the right PE partner is critical. The right firm can help ensure readiness for scale, support strategic initiatives, and unlock untapped growth opportunities across domestic and international markets.

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