In the world of private equity, the industrial equipment and technology (IE&T) sector has been a focal point of interest for investors in recent years. After a record-breaking year of buyout activity in 2021, where we witnessed an unprecedented 300-400 deals above typical levels, the IE&T sector's activity returned to a more normalized pace in 2022. Since 2017, this industry has consistently seen an average of 1,200 to 1,400 deals annually, with a steady growth rate of approximately 6% per year.

The UK mid-market private equity space is currently undergoing a series of shifts and challenges. While investor confidence has slightly waned due to broader economic and geopolitical uncertainty, certain sectors, such as business services, energy, and technology, continue to remain attractive. However, consumer and retail sectors face vulnerabilities stemming from inflation, supply chain issues, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Furthermore, the debt market has experienced a slowdown, and valuation uncertainty has prompted a stronger focus on the buy-and-build strategy.

The increasing involvement of private equity firms in healthcare facilities over the last decade has raised significant questions about its effects on health outcomes, costs, and quality. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the impacts of PE ownership in healthcare settings, considering the diverse perspectives and debates surrounding this investment structure.

Private Equity interviews can be intense and highly competitive, but there's one crucial question that can set the tone for the entire interview: "Why Private Equity?" Your answer to this question holds significant weight and plays a pivotal role in determining whether you move on to the next stages of the interview process. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of this question, the reasoning behind it, and provide you with strategies to craft the perfect response to secure your dream PE job.

The current economic slowdown differs from previous crises due to its lack of clarity. There's no Lehman collapse or housing meltdown, but the global economy presents unprecedented conditions, including war in Europe, energy shocks, supply chain issues, and the highest inflation in 40 years. Rising interest rates have disrupted traditional investment markets.

Despite the pause in deal-making in 2022, strong corporate deal activity is expected to rebound for the rest of 2023 and 2024, particularly in the pharmaceutical and medical technology segments. The potential for growth, coupled with the patent cliff in biopharma, makes these sectors promising candidates for future M&A.

As we head towards the end of the year, it is time to start taking a look back at the activity and deals of 2023. Private equity deals come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to meet specific investment objectives. In this blog post, we'll explore the most common types of private equity deals and highlight some of the significant transactions that have taken place in 2023.