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Core Viewpoint - The private equity industry is facing significant challenges, with many firms struggling to raise new funds and maintain performance, leading to a rise in "zombie funds" that are unable to generate returns or attract new investments [2][4][9]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The private equity sector has evolved dramatically since its inception, with over 15,000 firms managing approximately $9 trillion in assets globally [3]. - Vestar Capital, a notable player, has shifted focus from raising new funds to managing its existing portfolio, with its latest fund showing disappointing returns of 7.7%, significantly below the S&P 500's average return of 14% [2][4]. - The number of private equity funds has surged, with over 18,000 funds targeting a total of $3.3 trillion in capital, but actual fundraising is expected to be only one-third of this target [5][6]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - The average fundraising cycle for funds has increased to 23 months in 2025, compared to 16 months in 2021, indicating a tougher fundraising environment [6]. - The average annualized return for U.S. private equity indices has dropped to 7.4% as of June 2025, lagging behind the MSCI global index by 11 percentage points [17]. - The distribution to paid-in (DPI) ratio, a key performance metric, has declined, with many funds reporting DPIs below historical benchmarks, indicating poor cash returns to investors [28]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by Firms - Many mid-sized private equity firms are becoming "zombie institutions," unable to sell their portfolio companies or raise new funds, leading to a significant reduction in their operational viability [9][10]. - The fundraising environment is particularly challenging for firms with consecutive poor-performing funds, as investor confidence wanes [27]. - The trend of "continuation funds" is emerging as a strategy for firms to manage liquidity issues, allowing them to hold onto core assets while providing liquidity to limited partners [29][30]. Group 4: Notable Firms and Their Strategies - Onex Partners, one of the largest firms on the "zombie fund" list, has seen its management fee income drop from $146 million in 2019 to an estimated $81 million in 2024 due to a challenging fundraising environment [20][22]. - Madison Dearborn Partners, known for its investments in various sectors, is seeking to raise $3 billion for its ninth fund, which would be its smallest fundraising since 1999 [25]. - Crestview Partners has also faced challenges, with its latest fund achieving only an 8.4% internal rate of return, significantly lower than market expectations [26].