Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, the middle market private equity buyout team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, has announced the final close of North Haven Capital Partners VIII (NHCP VIII) with total capital commitments reaching approximately $3.2 billion. The fund was significantly oversubscribed, surpassing its target of $2.5 billion and achieving its $3.0 billion third-party hard cap in under 12 months following its initial close in the third quarter of 2024. This marks a 60% increase in total commitments compared to North Haven Capital Partners VII, which closed at around $2.0 billion in 2021.
NHCP VIII received strong backing from both existing and new investors, including leading institutional investors, high-net-worth family offices, and individual clients of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management across various regions including North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
Aaron Sack, Head of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, expressed gratitude for the investor support: "We are grateful for the support of our existing and new investors. We are excited to have capital to invest in a changing landscape, where valuations may prove more favorable than in past years." He added that while aware of macroeconomic uncertainties ahead, they believe "the U.S. middle market represents a dynamic engine of economic growth and entrepreneur-driven innovation."
Fund VIII will continue MSCP’s strategy of partnering with founders and management teams to drive growth and operational value creation in the U.S. middle market by leveraging resources from a global financial institution. It will focus on control investments in services business models across sectors such as consumer, business, healthcare, and industrial.
David N. Miller, Global Head of Private Credit and Equity at Morgan Stanley stated: “We believe this fundraise underscores investor confidence in Morgan Stanley Capital Partners’ differentiated model." He highlighted their proven strategy that has delivered strong returns through disciplined execution.
So far, Fund VIII has deployed about 17% of committed capital across three investments: American Restoration; FoodScience; and Thermogenics.
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners is part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management which boasts over 1,400 investment professionals globally managing assets worth $1.6 trillion as of March 31, 2025.