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Private Equity's Role in Driving M&A Activity

Robert Parrish
Assistant Director

Private equity (PE) firms have become a significant force in driving M&A activity in recent years. PE firms are specialised investors that invest in private companies with the aim of generating high returns. They typically use leverage to finance their investments, which can make them an attractive option for sellers. In this article, we'll explore the role of private equity in driving M&A activity and its impact on the market.


Private Equity's Growing Influence


Private equity has become a major player in the M&A market, accounting for a significant portion of all M&A activity. According to a report by Bain & Company, private equity firms were responsible for 30% of all M&A deals globally in 2020. This represents a significant increase from the early 2000s, when private equity accounted for less than 10% of M&A activity.


Private equity's growing influence is due to several factors. First, private equity firms have large amounts of capital to invest, making them attractive partners for companies looking to sell. Second, private equity firms are often able to move quickly on deals, providing sellers with certainty of execution. Finally, private equity firms are skilled at identifying opportunities to create value through operational improvements and strategic acquisitions.


Impact on the Market


Private equity's growing influence has had a significant impact on the M&A market. Private equity firms have been responsible for many of the largest deals in recent years, including the acquisition of companies such as Dell, Avaya, and Panera Bread. Private equity firms have also been active in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer goods.


Private equity's involvement in M&A transactions has also driven up valuations. Private equity firms are often willing to pay a premium for companies that they believe have the potential for strong returns. This has created a highly competitive market for companies looking to sell, with private equity firms often bidding against each other and strategic buyers.


Private Equity and M&A Support Services


Given the significant role that private equity firms play in driving M&A activity, it's important for companies to work with an M&A support services provider that has experience working with private equity firms. GVP is a leading provider of M&A support services with a focus on private equity. GVP can provide a range of services, including M&A research, M&A origination, financial services support, and M&A support services, to help companies navigate the complex landscape of private equity-backed M&A transactions.


Conclusion


Private equity has become a significant force in driving M&A activity, accounting for a large portion of all M&A deals globally. Private equity's growing influence is due to its large amounts of capital, ability to move quickly on deals, and skill in identifying opportunities to create value. Private equity's involvement in M&A transactions has had a significant impact on the market, driving up valuations and creating a highly competitive environment for sellers. By partnering with an experienced M&A support services provider like GVP, companies can navigate the complex landscape of private equity-backed M&A transactions and achieve their strategic objectives.

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