Overview
London-based Apax Partners LLP is one of Europe's largest private equity firms. It targets investments in five sectors: tech and telecom, retail and consumer, media, health care, and financial and business services. In 2008, Apax raised Europe’s largest buyout fund at €11.2 billion ($14.4 billion).
Apax prides itself on the depth of its research and its frequent early-stage investments. Alan Patricof, founder of one of Apax's predecessor firms, was a VC pioneer and invested in early-stage Apple, America Online and others. He now runs VC firm Greycroft Partners in New York.
Apax has a large U.S. buyout franchise. The stylish cafe in the firm's New York City office has a sweeping view of Park Avenue.
Recruiting
The firm saw several employees exit in 2009, including some senior executives, all of whom were replaced with internal candidates.
For a glimpse into the firm's culture, candidates may want to read "The Second Bounce of the Ball," by founder Sir Ronald Cohen, who left the firm in 2005. Find more fodder for interview chit-chat in the novels of Michael Ridpath, an Apax alum who now writes thrillers set in the world of high finance, including "Free to Trade," "Final Venture" and others.