GCG’s Q4 2021 Middle Market Private Equity Update provides an overview of the latest trends in the private equity market.

Key findings include the following:

• • Private equity deal value hit record highs in 2021. The year over year growth in deal values was approximately 40 percent, shattering its previous annual high levels. The 2021 M&A market had low rates, strong growth, and the threat of future tax hikes. Each of these factors drove a significant increase in deals.
  • Deal volume grew 23 percent in 2021. The overall number of deals completed in 2021 shattered previous records for any given year. While volume was up 23 percent, overall deal value increased 40 percent. This highlights high multiples and larger deals being completed.
  • Deals under $100M continue to represent the majority of PE demand in the middle market. Approximately 2/3rds of the middle-market deals (deals under $500 mm in value), occurred in the under $100 mm deal value space.
  • 2021 was one of the best years in middle market PE fundraising since 2007. Fundraising has generally been growing since 2010, reaching a peak in 2019. 2021 saw an increase of 11 percent in capital raised. The gap between money raised and money spent is the largest it has ever been and is due to the continued search for higher returns offered by private equity. This will drive continued growth in the overall M&A market.

Click here for the full update.

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