Founded in 1985 by Stephen Schwarzman and Peter Peterson, Blackstone Group Inc. (BX) is one of the world's premier asset management and investment companies. Based in New York City, it is globally renowned for its direct and fund-of-fund investment services in various sectors including private equity, real estate, public equity, infrastructure, fixed income, and more.
Blackstone follows an opportunistic investing approach, where it buys undervalued assets during economic downturns and divests them once their values appreciate. The company leverages its global presence, intimate market knowledge, and expert operational guidance to aid its investment decisions, thus providing investment vehicles that are appealing to many investors.
Spanning significantly across various geographies and business sectors, Blackstone’s global footprints and massive assets under management (AUM) hold testimony to its remarkable growth. As of 2021, Blackstone's total AUM stood at an astounding $731.2 billion, affirming its prowess in the global investment arena.
In terms of business segments, Blackstone operates primarily through four divisions: Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Fund Solutions, and Credit. Its Private Equity division comprises the largest portion of the Group's AUM, while its Real Estate segment is one of the largest in the world.
Blackstone's Hedge Fund Solutions segment is a global market leader in discretionary and advisory hedge fund solutions, and the Credit division includes a broad range of funds that invest in senior and subordinated debt instruments, with return profiles ranging from secure to distressed.
The company also takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. Through “Blackstone Cares”, it invests in education, entrepreneurship, and communities, aiming to help people move up the socio-economic ladder.
Throughout its operational history, Blackstone has established a strong track record of supporting businesses, fueling economic growth, creating jobs, assisting communities, and generating substantial capital for its investors. With its many strategic partnerships, strong investment performance, and high ethical standards, Blackstone Inc. continues to stand as one of the world's most successful investment management firms.