Private equity deal-making smashed all previous records in 2006, although fears are growing that choppier waters may lie ahead for the industry in 2007.
Global deal volume reached a new high of $737.4 billion (€567.5 billion) in 2006, more than double the previous high of $352.3 billion in 2005, according to figures from data provider Dealogic. In total, private equity deals accounted for 18% of all global M&A volume, up from 12% in 2005.
However, although default rates are currently at historic lows, rating agency Standard & Poor’s expects this to change in 2007 as a number of private equity-backed companies start to struggle under the burden of debt.
Polestar, a magazine printer bought by Investcorp in 1998, agreed a debt restructuring last month to avoid bankruptcy. Focus, a UK DIY chain owned by buyout firms Apax Partners and Duke Street Capital, is also expected to complete a restructuring within the next month.
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Globally, real estate investment soared from $71.4 billion from $13.8 billion, making it the third biggest sector for private equity deals. As in 2005, telecoms was the biggest sector, at $79.9 billion.
JP Morgan made the most money from advising private equity clients in
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Average deal size topped $500 million for the first time in 2006, reaching $513 million, an 81% increase from the 2005 figure of $283 million.