Clearlake Capital Group

Founded in 2006, Clearlake Capital Group is a Santa Monica-based private equity firm that rose to prominence by tactically shifting between buyouts and distressed securities, notably during the 2008 financial crisis. The firm maintains a strong focus on the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors, operating with a global footprint across offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

In recent years, Clearlake has significantly expanded its credit platform through the acquisition of WhiteStar Asset Management and the launch of Clearlake Credit, aiming to triple its credit asset base by 2030. The firm is also a major participant in GP-led secondary markets and has successfully raised multi-billion dollar flagship funds, including a $14.8 billion eighth fund.

The firm gained widespread international recognition in 2022 as a lead member of the BlueCo consortium that acquired Chelsea F.C. Beyond sports, Clearlake is known for taking major software and industrial companies private, such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Alteryx, and Dun & Bradstreet, while maintaining a history of successful restructuring and exits in the consumer retail space.