• Audax was among the top three managers recognized in the mid-cap category of KED Global’s annual survey of Korean institutional investors.
• KED Global polled approximately 40 Korean pension funds, asset managers and securities firms as part of its annual program.

Audax Private Equity (“Audax”), a capital partner for middle and lower middle market companies, was named a 2025 Asset Manager of the Year in the Mid-Cap Private Equity category in Korea Economic Daily’s (KED) annual survey of Korean institutional investors identifying the top alternative investment managers. The poll results were published by KED Global on February 23, 2026.

“This is an incredible honor and we’re extremely grateful to the institutional investors who recognized our commitment to the region as well as our differentiated approach to try to build better businesses in the North American middle market through the disciplined execution of the Audax Value Agenda^TM,” noted Young Lee, Partner and Co-President of Audax Private Equity. “This recognition, we believe, underscores not only our systematic approach to try to deliver world-class performance, but also our service levels and sense of partnership with our limited partners. We want to thank the institutional investors who participated in this year’s survey, as well as KED Global for this meaningful recognition.”

“Best Asset Managers by Korean Investors” is an award established in 2020 by The Korea Economic Daily Global Edition (KED Global), a subsidiary of The Korea Economic Daily. The award recognizes high-performing asset managers based on a comprehensive survey of Korean asset owners, including pensions, government funds, mutual aid associations, and insurance companies. Each year, through a voting process polling Korean institutional investors, KED Global identifies the top managers across multiple asset classes, including private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure, and fund-of-funds strategies.

Over the past 12 months, Audax has continued to build on its longstanding commitment to Asia. In 2025, Audax opened the firm’s Hong Kong office.

“We take great pride in the strength of the relationships we have developed across the globe,” said Keith Palumbo, Partner and Co-President of Audax Private Equity. “These efforts are premised to better connect international organizations with the compelling opportunity set in the North American middle market. Building long-term, aligned partnerships with our investors has always been core to our approach.”

DISCLAIMERS AND METHODOLOGIES:
The aforementioned recognition should not be considered an endorsement of Audax or its funds by the authors or distributors of the rankings or honors; these honors are not necessarily representative of any one client’s experience with Audax; and is not necessarily indicative of Audax’ future performance. These award programs are not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice, and do not take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor or suggest any specific course of action.

As part of its polling conducted prior to the February 23, 2026 publication date, KED Global asked respondents to select their two preferred global asset managers in the categories of private equity, private debt, real estate and infrastructure and three in the fund-of-funds segment. Respondents were asked to select their preferred GPs based on the following criteria: asset management capabilities, client service, brand reputation, and innovation in products and services. This year’s poll received responses from approximately 40 Korean pension funds, asset managers and securities firms. All respondents participated on the condition of anonymity to ensure candid and impartial views. No financial considerations were provided to be considered or to receive the recognition. The awards coverage and more information can be found here: https://www.kedglobal.com/alternative-investments/newsView/ked202602030004

ABOUT AUDAX PRIVATE EQUITY:
Headquartered in Boston, with offices in San Francisco, New York, London and Hong Kong, Audax Private Equity is a leading private equity platform focused on investing across the North American middle market. Our objective is to accelerate value creation through our Buy & Build strategy and the Audax Value Agenda™, a holistic framework that seeks to create, enable, and protect value across every stage of the investment lifecycle. As of January 2026, Audax Private Equity had approximately $19.5 billion of assets under management and, since inception in 1999, has invested in more than 180 platforms and more than 1,400 add-on acquisitions. For more information, visit www.audaxprivateequity.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225305303/en/

This recognition, we believe, underscores not only our systematic approach to try to deliver world-class performance, but also our service levels and sense of partnership with our limited partners.