Clearlake Capital Group

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. was founded in 2006 with a strategy designed to shift between buyouts and distressed securities depending on economic conditions. This flexible approach allowed the firm to capitalize on the 2008 financial crisis by acquiring distressed assets and selling them during the recovery. Over the years, the firm has significantly expanded its footprint, establishing affiliates in major global hubs including London, Dublin, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore.

The firm is known for its heavy involvement in the technology and software space, frequently taking companies private, such as Cornerstone OnDemand and Alteryx. In 2022, Clearlake gained significant mainstream attention as a key member of the BlueCo consortium that acquired the English Premier League club Chelsea F.C. The firm has also aggressively expanded its credit capabilities through the acquisition of WhiteStar Asset Management and the launch of Clearlake Credit.

In recent years, Clearlake has become a prominent user of GP-led secondary markets and has successfully raised massive flagship funds. In 2026, the firm closed its eighth flagship fund with approximately $14.8 billion in total commitments. Its recent activity continues to focus on large-scale take-private transactions and the expansion of its private wealth market offerings through acquisitions like Pathway Capital Management.