1 Partners Group - Private equity funds under management: €16.8bn

Regarded as a firm that can practically ensure a fundraising's success due to the quality of its due diligence, Partners Group was named by almost every industry figure canvassed for this article. The Switzerland-based firm refocused its operations in April, moving out of hedge funds, and has attempted innovative restructurings of two listed funds that faced difficulties. The firm has expanded rapidly in recent years despite the financial turbulence, increasing its overall assets from Sfr11bn (€8.2bn) in 2005 to more than Sfr25.7bn last year. It plans to open new offices in Seoul and São Paolo by the end of the year.