Ardian is preparing to open an office in Kuwait, positioning itself to deepen ties with local investors as the Gulf state accelerates its return to private equity allocations, according to Bloomberg sources. 

The French private equity firm plans to launch the office in 2026, according to people familiar with the matter. The move would make Ardian the first major European buyout firm to establish a permanent presence in Kuwait, which is emerging as a regional hub for global capital.

The expansion follows Wafra’s recent minority investment in Ardian. Wafra is owned by Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security, which has restarted private equity allocations after a pause, potentially unlocking billions of dollars for the asset class.

Ardian manages about $196bn across private equity, real assets, and private credit. The firm already oversees more than $27bn for Middle Eastern clients and opened an Abu Dhabi office in 2023.

Global asset managers have increasingly targeted Kuwait as sovereign investors return to markets. BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Franklin Templeton have all opened local offices, while Carlyle and State Street are also considering entry.

The move underlines private equity firms’ push to secure long-term capital in the Middle East as exit markets begin to stabilise.

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