Swiss manager Partners Group is looking to raise money directly from UK, US and Australian pensioners through defined contribution pension schemes, in an effort to crack a market that has long been out of reach for private equity.

Peter Wuffli, chairman of the board of directors of Swiss-based Partners Group, said in a conference call with shareholders on Tuesday that the firm was seeking access to the defined contribution pension market overseas - the first time the firm has publicly stated its interest in tapping pensioners directly for funds.