Private Equity Backed Exit Value Hits $554B In 2015

Private Equity Backed Exit Value Hits $554B In 2015 by PitchBook

A disequilibrium between sellers and buyers

Introduction

2015 remained a strong year for private equity sellers as the quantity of acquisitive buyers in the market outpaced that of sellers, contributing to sustained high valuations for those looking to exit. While seller expectations remained high, and many were certainly able to negotiate attractive terms in sales processes, those same sellers faced issues finding attractive deals to put capital to work, continuing a bifurcation between success in buying and selling for PE.

Trends around popular exit ramps remained similar to what we’ve observed recently, with strategic acquisitions accounting for the bulk of private equity backed exit, followed by PE-to-PE buyouts. Strategic and...