Pension Plans Contribute Bigger Share to Private Equity, Survey Shows

NEW YORK — Public and corporate pension plans are providing a growing share of private equity capital, a new survey from Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst shows.

In 2006, public pension funds contributed 26.6 percent of the equity raised, an increase from 22 percent in 2005.

Corporate pension funds and corporations added another 12.5 percent, up from 10 percent the year before.

“With private equity firms raising larger and larger funds, they are seeking investors with enough capital to fill them up quickly,” said Jennifer Rossa, managing editor of the Private Equity Analyst. “The big public and corporate pension plans are fitting the bill as they seek out high-return investments.”

The survey, which is done annually, included more than 110 funds that raised more than $44 billion in capital.