Private equity entered 2026 with renewed momentum following a strong rebound in 2025, marked by a 57% rise in deal value and a significant recovery in exits. Strategic buyers and secondaries helped unlock long‑delayed liquidity, while improved macro conditions and stabilized valuations strengthened underwriting confidence. With most GPs expecting increases in both acquisitions and exits over the next six months — and signalling strong conviction in the quality of 2025 vintages — the industry heads into 2026 with clearer visibility, improved fundamentals and growing optimism.