Private Equity Promised M&A Boom—but World Is Still Waiting

Private equity promised M&A boom—but world is still waiting

Private equity firms are taking longer to return cash to investors and finding it more difficult to raise new funds. The industry could use a long-awaited surge in M&A, and there are signs of optimism when it comes to big money transactions. Markets reeled in early March as President Donald Trump started his tariff barrage by targeting Canada and Mexico—foreshadowing what was to come on “Liberation Day” the following month. At a conference hoste…

Middle Market PE Firms Optimistic for 2026 Deal Revival

Things have been unexpectedly gloomy for private equity exits this year, despite earlier hopes for a resurgence in the first half. But there are signs of optimism creeping back in.