BlackRock Inc. said it expects to start offering its own target-date retirement funds that include private assets next year, the latest push by the $12.5 trillion money manager to bring alternatives to everyday investors.

The potential incorporation of private equity into 401 (k) investment options would follow an "increasing push to provide more private capital investment opportunities for retail investors and participants in workplace retirement plans," said CNN Business.

Now celebrating 20 years in Chicago, the New York-based investment management firm is eyeing further growth through alternative investments.

BlackRock pushed deeper into private markets Monday with the acquisition of commercial real estate firm ElmTree Funds.

In a typical bull market, private equity sponsors exit out of portfolio assets through IPOs, strategic sales and sponsor-to-sponsor buyouts. But

The deal gives the investment firm $7.3 billion in assets as it attempts to broaden its holdings of private assets, following BlackRock’s announcement last week of a new all-in-one 401(k) target date fund with private equity.

Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund will use BlackRock’s proprietary ALADDIN technology platform for its product launches. It is an acronym for Asset, Liability, and Debt and Derivative Investment Network. It is said to be the software language of portfolios.

For years, they have been investing in “private equity” and venture capital deals. They find small, promising companies and lend their capital and management expertise — hoping to sell out in the