According to PwC, almost 40 per cent of deals in 2021 involved a PE fund, up from just over a quarter over the past five years, and the deals they’re tackling are getting bigger, accounting for 45 per cent of total deal values compared to 30 per cent over the past five years.

With investors typically paying a 37 per cent premium for revenue-rich targets, and an increased number of competitive bids, there’s growing pressure on the PE industry – as well as corporates and special purpose acquisition companies – to generate returns and demonstrate value creation. While climbing interest rates and now a war on the edges of Europe have yet to dent the appetite for further dealmaking, there is increased scrutiny on whether these big ticket deals are generating value.