Global Private Equity Report 2024

Bain & Company

60 Pages

Private equity faced a dramatically different environment in 2023, with fundraising, deal activity, and exits all contracting. The industry is adapting to higher interest rates, valuation gaps, and evolving LP expectations.

Bain describes private equity as a market that’s ‘stalled’ due to a rise in interest rates. The report walks through current investments, returns, exits, fund-raising and more. Some stats:

  • The total value of companies that the industry sold privately or on public markets declined by 44% (lowest in a decade)
  • Deal value fell by 37%
  • Exit value declined by 44%
  • 38% fewer buyout funds closed
  • The value of aging unexited companies hit a record high $3.2 trillion

Key Takeaways

Fundraising challenges persist: Global PE fundraising fell 20% year-over-year, as LPs became more selective amid higher interest rates and liquidity constraints.
Deal count and size declined: Buyout deal value dropped 37% from the prior year, with fewer large-cap transactions and slower capital deployment.
Shift in value creation levers: Firms are focusing more on operational improvements and add-on acquisitions, as traditional financial engineering becomes less effective.
VIEW FULL REPORT

Join our newsletter to have all of this content + Exclusive Newsletter Bonus Content delivered to your inbox every week

Related Content

Alternative Assets
The State of US Private Equity H1 2026
May 2026
Alternative Assets
Leveraged Finance Newsletter Q1 2026
May 2026
Alternative Assets
The State of US Private Equity Report
Apr 2026

The information contained in this communication is of a general nature for informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice. The information contained within this communication reflects the opinions of those referenced herein, and do not reflect the opinions of The Idea Farm, L.P. and its affiliates. Such opinions expressed herein are as of the date of production and are subject to change at any time without notice due to various factors, including changing market conditions or tax laws. Where data or information prepared by third parties is presented, no representation, warranty, or undertaking, expressed or implied, is given to the accuracy or completeness of such information by The Idea Farm, L.P. or any other person. While such sources are believed to be reliable, The Idea Farm, L.P. does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information and does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein as of any future date. Any links to third party websites are offered only for use at your own discretion. The Idea Farm L.P., and its affiliates, are separate and unaffiliated from any third parties listed herein and are not responsible for their products, services, policies or the content of their website. All investments are subject to varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy or product referenced directly or indirectly in this communication will be profitable, perform equally to any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), or be suitable for your portfolio. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.

Scroll to Top