The latest research from EY shows that 2014 was a record year for private equity, both in terms of new investments (highest levels since 2008) and exits. Acquisitions of portfolio companies, particularly by North American buyers, was also at a record high.
We continue to see highly competitive conditions amongst private equity funds, particularly for companies exhibiting good growth. if you are a founder thinking about an exit, or a shareholder looking for full or partial liquidity, it is worth considering private equity as a very attractive option.
New PE investments in European businesses increased to the highest level since 2008, with many mid-market European PE firms returning to deal making – the number of new investments in 2014 grew 50 per cent. The study reveals that acquisitions of businesses from corporate sellers almost doubled in 2014 vs. 2013 to a post-downturn high.
