Apollo Global Management Review: Media & Financial Services Private Equity

In-depth review of Apollo Global Management: their investment thesis, portfolio companies, typical deal sizes, and how to prepare for investment.

Key Takeaways

  • •Focus on Credit, Private Equity, Real Estate
  • •Investment range: $500M+ in equity (large cap)
  • •Based in New York, founded 1990
  • •$840B+ total assets under management
  • •Active across credit, direct lending, PE
  • •Media & Entertainment expertise

Notable Portfolio Companies

Apollo Global Management is a New York-based alternative asset management firm founded in 1990 by Leon Black, Josh Harris, and Marc Rowan. With $840 billion+ in assets under management as of 2025, Apollo operates across private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure. The firm is known for its flexible capital solutions and operational expertise.

Notable Portfolio Companies:

Company | Sector | Notes
Athene | Financial Services | Retirement services company (NYSE: ATH)
ADT | Security Services | Residential security services (majority ownership)
Michaels | Retail | Arts and crafts retailer
Cox Communications | Media/Communications | Cable and broadband provider
Wikimedia | Media | Online encyclopedia

What Apollo Looks For

Apollo Global Management evaluates opportunities based on several key criteria: Strong market position — Companies with defensible competitive advantages and leading market share. Cash flow generation — Businesses with stable, predictable cash flows that can support debt service. Operational improvement potential — Opportunities for performance improvement through operational expertise. Experienced management — Strong management teams with track records of execution. Value creation potential — Clear path to value creation through strategic initiatives.

Pro Tip

Pro Tip Apollo brings significant operational expertise and flexible capital solutions. They look for companies where they can add value through strategic guidance and operational improvements.

How to Connect With Apollo

Approaching Apollo Global Management requires demonstrating strong business fundamentals: 1 Demonstrate Business Quality Prepare detailed financials, market position analysis, and competitive advantages. 2 Showcase Cash Flow Stability Present historical cash flows, working capital requirements, and capital expenditure needs. 3 Present Value Creation Plan Show clear plans for operational improvements, growth initiatives, or strategic changes. 4 Leverage Professional Networks Many deals come through investment bankers, industry advisors, or existing relationships.

  • PE firms like Apollo expect detailed financial information for potential investments: Performance Metrics
  • Revenue and EBITDA [profitability analysis](/blog/outsourced-controller) growth
  • Profit margins
  • Return on capital
  • Working capital efficiency Financial Data
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Leverage metrics
  • Capital structure
  • Capital expenditure plans

How Eagle Rock Helps

How Eagle Rock Helps We help companies prepare for PE investment by building detailed financial models, operational dashboards, and investor-ready presentations. Our fractional CFO services ensure your company is ready for due diligence.

Pro Tip

Prepare detailed financial projections and operational metrics before initial meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries does Apollo focus on?

Apollo primarily invests in Credit, Private Equity, Real Estate, and Media & Entertainment. The firm seeks companies with strong cash flows and operational improvement potential.

What size companies does acquire?

Apollo typically invests $500M+ in equity, targeting large-cap companies with enterprise values often exceeding $2B.

What is 's typical investment size?

The firm's equity investments generally range from $500M+, positioning them as a leading large-cap private equity and credit investor.

How long does 's due diligence process take?

Due diligence timelines vary by deal complexity, but Apollo typically conducts thorough financial, operational, and market due diligence over several months.

What should I prepare before engaging with ?

Prepare three years of audited financials, detailed market analysis, management team bios, growth plans, and a clear vision for how the partnership would create value.

How does work with portfolio companies?

Apollo takes a partnership approach, working closely with management teams on strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and operational improvements.

Ready to Connect With Apollo Global Management?

Prepare your business for private equity investment with expert financial guidance. Our fractional CFO team helps you build the financial infrastructure PE firms expect.

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This article is part of our Private equity firms | Eagle Rock CFO guide.