Bain & Company’s Global Private Equity Report 2026: Executive Summary

Bain's 2026 Global Private Equity Report suggests the private equity industry is showing signs of recovery, though with nuances. While deal value and exit values were high, the number of deals and exits decreased, concentrated in very large transactions. Fundraising remained flat, masking a 16% decline in buyout fundraising offset by growth in infrastructure and secondaries. Returns were good, but comparable to the U.S. stock market, which was driven by a small number of stocks, highlighting the need for diversification. The industry faces an inflection point where generating alpha is more expensive, requiring GPs to develop clear strategies around talent, capital, and deals, focusing on proactive sourcing, comprehensive due diligence, and rapid value creation.