In the first half of 2025, private equity exits reached their highest levels in three years. Corporate acquirers became active buyers, and firms showed increased flexibility on valuations to facilitate the sale of long-held assets. Despite ongoing market volatility, global M&A activity rose by 30%, with private equity contributing significantly. Although fundraising challenges exist, many investors remain optimistic and expect increased deployment activity in the coming months. Firms are prioritizing exit readiness and operational enhancements across various sectors, reflecting a proactive approach in a dynamic private equity landscape. Explore more at https://www.ey.com/pepulse
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PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q1 2025
In Q1 2025, private equity firms saw a 45% rise in deal volume compared to the previous year. However, rising trade tensions are creating caution among investors. Many firms may limit capital deployment in the coming months, yet a higher-than-average risk tolerance indicates readiness to seize new opportunities. Firms are focusing on operational improvements within their portfolios and exploring sectors like aerospace and defense. Additionally, the return of corporate acquirers has boosted exit activity, reflecting a dynamic shift in the private equity landscape amid ongoing uncertainty. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view this quarter’s summary.
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Talent's role as a strategic differentiator
Matt Breitfelder, Partner, and Global Head of Human Capital at Apollo in conversation with Bridget Walsh, EY Global Head of Private Equity. In this episode Matt shares his insights about the role of talent and optimising personal performance in the asset management industry. The views of third parties set out in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.
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Differentiated Opportunities for Special Situations Investing
Angelo Rufino, Partner and Head of Special Situations in North America and Head of Corporate Special Situations in Europe for Bain Capital, joins Bridget Walsh, EY Global Head of Private Equity. In this episode Angelo shares his insights on the differentiated opportunities for Special Situations investing. 17 mins. The views of third parties set out in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.
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PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q4 2024
Private equity enters 2025 with strong expectations amid favorable market conditions. In 2024, PE firms announced US$565b in deals, a 25% increase in value and 20% in volume from the previous year. Confidence is high, with 73% of GPs expecting increased deployment activity. Factors driving this optimism include narrowing valuation gaps, increased asset availability, and improved macro visibility. Exit activity is also expected to rise, driven by secondary buyouts. Additionally, GPs anticipate a surge in IPOs and a continued focus on AI and private markets buildout. Visit https://www.ey.com/pepulse to view this quarter’s summary. Key takeaways: PE firms enter 2025 with US$1.4t in dry powder; 73% of GPs expect increased deployment activity in the next six months. Supply chain issues ranked as a top concern, with 70% of GPs working with portfolio companies to assess these issues in light of proposed tariffs. GPs’ top expectation for this year is an increase in IPOs, with companies in strong market positions well placed to go public.
Listen to the NextWave Private Equity podcast series, where Bridget Walsh, EY Global Private Equity Leader, will speak with industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities and industry trends shaping the global private equity landscape.
The views reflected in this podcast are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.