Are we seeing signs of a private equity market comeback?
Rupert Bell, CEO, Nadja Essmann, Head of CFO Practice, and Debbie Eidelman, Head of IR & Fundraising, attended the Private Equity Insights DACH conference in Munich, which provided a fascinating pulse check on the market. While some GPs are signalling cautious optimism, there are still significant hurdles to overcome.
Optimism and caution: assessing the market recovery at the PE Insights conference
It was a busy day at the Private Equity Insights DACH conference in Munich. With numerous LP and GP firms represented alongside a wide array of advisers, the event offered valuable insights into the current state of the market.
We were treated to a range of high-quality panel discussions on topics as diverse as industry opportunities and challenges, as well as hot (and less hot) sectors. Discussions also touched on pressing issues like ESG and alpha generation, value creation and exit strategies, board dynamics, and the rise of critical infrastructure as a key investment.
Above all, one question dominated the conversation: is the market recovering?
While some GPs shared encouraging stories and displayed a sense of optimism in an effort to reignite investor interest, there was a notable sense of caution in the air. It’s clearly too soon to say we are out of the woods, but it feels like momentum is shifting, with some traction forming around certain deals and even fundraisers.
As is often the case, there’s a lag between the first glimmers of optimism and a full recovery, and reasons for caution remain. There are far too many weak assets being offered for sale in inappropriate processes and failing; these are not going to unlock the liquidity straitjacket that has been holding so much of the market back. Additionally, the lack of growth in the broader economy remains a significant concern for many.
We were treated to a range of high-quality panel discussions on topics as diverse as industry opportunities and challenges, as well as hot (and less hot) sectors. Discussions also touched on pressing issues like ESG and alpha generation, value creation and exit strategies, board dynamics, and the rise of critical infrastructure as a key investment.
Above all, one question dominated the conversation: is the market recovering?
While some GPs shared encouraging stories and displayed a sense of optimism in an effort to reignite investor interest, there was a notable sense of caution in the air. It’s clearly too soon to say we are out of the woods, but it feels like momentum is shifting, with some traction forming around certain deals and even fundraisers.
As is often the case, there’s a lag between the first glimmers of optimism and a full recovery, and reasons for caution remain. There are far too many weak assets being offered for sale in inappropriate processes and failing; these are not going to unlock the liquidity straitjacket that has been holding so much of the market back. Additionally, the lack of growth in the broader economy remains a significant concern for many.
Has a corner been turned? We’d love to know what you think.
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