Bain & Company’s Midyear Private Equity Report 2025 reveals that early optimism in the private equity (PE) sector has been tempered by geopolitical uncertainties, notably tariff-related disruptions. While the first quarter showed promising deal activity and exits, the second quarter experienced a slowdown, highlighting the industry’s ongoing challenges in liquidity and fundraising.
Leaning Into the Turbulence: Private Equity Midyear Report 2025
Bain & Company
Research
12 Pages
Key Takeaways
Early 2025 momentum stalls: Q1 saw strong deal activity, but Q2 deal value dropped 24% due to tariff uncertainties.
Liquidity pressures intensify: Over 30,000 unsold companies valued at $3.6T and declining investor distributions add pressure to execute exits.
Fundraising challenges persist: Capital demand far outpaces supply, with no $5B+ fund closures for the first time in a decade.