Observed Signal · Aug 23, 2026 · Study / Report · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Private Equity Growth Continues Despite Uncertainties
KPMG's 'Pulse of Private Equity Q2’26' finds the global private equity market resilient despite geopolitical tensions, inflation and varied interest-rate environments. In H1 2026 roughly $1 trillion was invested across more than 9,200 transactions; deal counts are at their lowest in over five years while invested capital remains high. Europe (EMA) saw a rolling 12‑month investment volume of $782.4 billion, with Germany accounting for $88.6 billion. KPMG highlights an upcoming succession wave among German family-owned businesses (estimated 260–295 larger firms considering external succession over the next decade) and identifies investment opportunities in AI, energy and data infrastructure. The report also notes a selective exit market, rising use of secondary transactions and continuation vehicles, and cites Bain Capital’s takeover of Everllence as a notable H1 transaction.
KPMG's industry report documents large H1 2026 capital deployment (~USD 1T) and identifies a German succession wave plus AI/energy/data infrastructure investment themes that could channel private capital into technology and infrastructure relevant to MarTech/AdTech.
Track KPMG Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your Polaris7 workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- KPMG 'Pulse of Private Equity Q2’26' reports ~USD 1 trillion invested worldwide in H1 2026 across more than 9,200 transactions.
- Deal counts fell to their lowest rolling 12‑month level in over five years, while total invested volume stayed high.
- EMA region rolling 12‑month investment volume rose to USD 782.4 billion; Germany accounted for USD 88.6 billion.
- Bain Capital acquired motor and turbomachinery manufacturer Everllence in a multibillion-dollar carve-out transaction during H1 2026.
- KPMG estimates 260–295 larger German family firms (EBITDA > EUR 10M) may consider external succession solutions over the next ten years.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“KPMG's 'Pulse of Private Equity Q2’26' is cited as the source reporting approximately USD 1 trillion invested worldwide in H1 2026 across mo...”
“The article cites Bain Capital as the buyer in a multibillion-dollar acquisition of the motor and turbomachinery manufacturer Everllence dur...”
“Pexels is credited as the photo source ('Photo: Pexels') for the article imagery.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Global Fintech Investments Surpass $100 Billion in H1 2026
According to KPMG's 'Pulse of Fintech H1'26' study, global fintech investments reached $103.1 billion in the first half of 2026, a 43% increase from the previous six months. This growth was driven by a few large deals, with the top ten transactions accounting for $64 billion (62% of total). The United States dominated with $80.8 billion (78% of global capital). In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), investments fell 37% to $11.3 billion, with Germany ranking second in the region at $1.6 billion, behind the UK's $2.5 billion. The payments segment attracted the most capital at $44.2 billion, largely due to Global Payments' $24.3 billion acquisition of Worldpay. AI-related fintech investments surged to $21.4 billion across 800 deals, nearly matching the full-year 2025 total of $23.6 billion. KPMG expects continued consolidation and a focus on scalable technologies and AI.
Foreign Investors Target German Tech Firms
An EY-Parthenon analysis finds 2025 saw fewer but larger tech acquisitions in Germany: transactions fell slightly from 387 to 375 while deal value rose 28% to €16 billion. Software companies accounted for 61% of takeovers, with large deals concentrated in AI, cybersecurity, IT services and high-performance computing. Notable transactions include Partners Group’s €/US$7.3 billion purchase of Techem (the largest German tech deal of 2025), Rumble’s $2.2 billion acquisition of Northern Data, Proofpoint’s $1.8 billion buy of Hornetsecurity, and KKR’s purchase of Datagroup. Strategic (corporate) investors made over 80% of deals, and 56% of German targets were acquired by foreign buyers. EY also examined startup funding: the top-100 German startups had €35.5 billion cumulative funding by end-2025 and received about $5 billion in new funding in 2025; across all startups there were $9.5 billion in new funding over 716 rounds, with average round size rising to $13.2 million.
KPMG CEO Outlook 2026: German CEOs More Optimistic
According to KPMG's CEO Outlook 2026, 86% of German CEOs expect positive business development over the next three years, up from 72% last year. Over two-thirds anticipate growth of at least 2.5% for their own company. AI investments are a top priority for 77% of CEOs, with 94% expecting returns within three years. However, 43% anticipate AI-related job cuts. M&A activity is also a focus, with 90% considering acquisitions. Key risks include regulatory requirements (30%) and geopolitical instability (29%). The survey included 1,400 CEOs globally, with 125 from Germany, and was conducted between August and September 2026.
Receive all future signals for KPMG & competitors in your briefing
Never miss material M&A deals, leadership changes, account wins, or product rollouts. Polaris7 monitors 20,000+ primary sources 24/7, delivering verified telemetry directly into your executive briefing.