PE Pulse: key takeaways from Q2 2026

PE enters the final quarter of 2026 on firm footing. Outside of megadeals, deployment remains resilient, while stronger exit activity has moved realizations ahead of investment. The market remains selective, particularly in technology, as investors assess how AI could reshape companies and sectors. The outlook for portfolio companies provides additional support. Presently, more than half of GPs expect both topline (54%) and EBITDA (60%) to improve over the coming year, while just 8% expect either to fall, allowing the industry to enter 2027 with renewed momentum and a clearer path toward growth. Key takeaways Private equity acquisition activity posts its strongest quarter in nine months, up 43% from Q2. Exit activity continues to rise, with deals up 15% from Q2. AI is moving from pilots toward measurable value: 40% of general partners expect net returns within 12 months. All data referenced in the podcast is sourced from Dealogic and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. For detailed findings, please visit ey.com/pepulse 

Private equity firms remained active but selective in the first half of 2026 as market uncertainty continued to influence investment decisions. While technology-focused transactions declined year over year, non-technology sectors saw continued growth, highlighting a shift toward resilient assets. Exit activity remained steady, supported by trade sales and ongoing corporate demand. Looking ahead, GPs remain optimistic, with most expecting both investment activity and exits to accelerate over the next six months. All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. For detailed findings, please visit ey.com/pepulse To explore the EY Exit Readiness Study, please visit ey.com/PEexitstudy

Private equity started 2026 with strong momentum, but fresh market volatility shifted dynamics toward greater selectivity. Investors are now focusing on high-quality, well-structured deals, particularly in asset-heavy sectors like energy, utilities, infrastructure and select real estate, where cash flows are visible and inflation linked. AI-led disruption is reshaping software investment strategies, prompting enhanced diligence and targeted investments in AI-ready companies. Exit markets remain steady, supporting a positive outlook centered on operational value creation. Overall, private equity demonstrates resilience and adaptability amid evolving geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. For detailed findings, please visit ey.com/pepulse.

Private equity entered 2026 with renewed momentum following a strong rebound in 2025, marked by a 57% rise in deal value and a significant recovery in exits. Strategic buyers and secondaries helped unlock long‑delayed liquidity, while improved macro conditions and stabilized valuations strengthened underwriting confidence. With most GPs expecting increases in both acquisitions and exits over the next six months — and signalling strong conviction in the quality of 2025 vintages — the industry heads into 2026 with clearer visibility, improved fundamentals and growing optimism.

In Q3 2025, private equity activity surged, achieving a record US$310b in deal value as firms capitalized on narrowing valuation gaps and renewed market confidence. With 156 deals announced, including six exceeding US$10b, the sector is pivoting towards larger transactions. Improved financing conditions and creative deal structures are facilitating this momentum. Looking ahead, 61% of firms anticipate increased exit activity, signalling a robust outlook as the market embraces a "risk on" approach, balancing optimism with discipline.  All data contained in this document is sourced from Dealogic, PitchBook, and EY analysis unless otherwise noted. The Dealogic data in this report are under license by ION. ION retains and reserves all rights in such data.

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

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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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.