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.