1、Headline not higher!European Private EquityOutlook 2026From stabilization to momentumJanuary 2026STUDYCover Floriana/Getty ImagesThe European Private Equity Outlook 2026 is the 17th consecutive publication in a series launched by Roland Berger in 2010.This years key messages include 75%of surveyed p
2、rofessionals expect more M&A activity involving private equity(PE)in 2026 versus 2025.Optimism remains high,driven by postponed portfolio exits.Financing conditions are supportive across deal size segments.Respondents rate debt availability as neutral to good at year-end 2025 and expect further impr
3、ovement in 2026,with higher pricing visibility.Sector outlook is largely positive.Technology and software,digital solutions,healthcare and infrastructure show the strongest appeal,while more cyclical sectors remain mixed.Mid-market is the engine of deal flow,while large-cap has turned net positive.S
4、mall-and mid-cap show the strongest growth expectations for 2026.Large-cap conditions are easing and activity is expected to pick up.Exit routes are normalizing.A backlog of deferred processes is coming to market.Sponsor-to-sponsor activity is strengthening,with strategic sales and IPOs also improvi
5、ng.Value creation priorities are sharpening,while add-ons and operational digitalization remain core.AI is penetrating fastest in due diligence and portfolio work.3European Private Equity Outlook 2026Methodology:Approximately 3,500 experts from private equity investment companies and M&A advisors ac
6、ross Europe were contacted for this years PE Outlook.The results reflect market experts expectations on key relevant investment topics for the private equity industry in 2026,covering various perspectives of the European investment landscape.Exclusive survey of private equity professionals from lead