Simpson Thacher represented funds managed by Blackstone’s GP Stakes business in connection with the announced strategic investment in Nautic Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.~~Blackstone GP Stakes specializes in value-added, long-term investments in the management companies of leading private equity firms.~~Nautic is a middle-market private equity firm that focuses on three industries: healthcare, industrials and services. Nautic has completed more than 145 platform transactions throughout its 35-plus year history. Nautic’s strategy is to partner with management teams to accelerate the growth trajectory of its portfolio companies via add-on acquisitions, targeted operating initiatives and increased management team depth.~~The Simpson Thacher team included Matthew Rogers and Ryan Williams (M&A); Crystal Frierson, Shannon O’Sullivan, Cody Lipke, Justin Maffett and Kam Siu (Funds and Funds Compliance); Benjamin Rippeon and Eli Shalam (Tax); and Jamin Koslowe and Hannah Daniels (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits).