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The year to 31 December 2018 was characterised by a record level of overall activity of NZ$1,698.9m, an increase of $709.3m from 2017 ($989.6m) and significantly above the average of $870.2m since the first survey in 2003.

Mid-market investment activity continued to be strong in 2018 resulting in $245.0m in investments, albeit down from a high of $333.7m recorded in 2017. Divestment activity with disclosed deal values has increased to $100.8m in 2018 from $62.4m recorded in 2017.

Meanwhile, 2018 was a record year for VC activity. Investments have increased to $269.7m, with divestments decreasing in the period. Buy-out activity has continued, but at a lower level than the 2016 peak, with $579.0m of investments and $503.4 divestment activity

The EY Global Private Equity Divestment Study focuses on how PE should approach their exit strategies in a resilient yet volatile marketplace. The 2019 report is based on 100 interviews with global private equity executives. The survey was conducted between September and November 2018 by Acuris.

In the past 12 months, we have seen…

The EY Global Private Equity Divestment Study focuses on how PE should approach their exit strategies in a resilient yet volatile marketplace. The 2019 report is based on 100 interviews with global private equity executives. The survey was conducted between September and November 2018 by Acuris.

In the past 12 months, we have seen attractive valuations and competition for assets as private equity (PE) firms divest portfolio companies. After an extended period of elevated dealmaking, PE exits leveled off in 2018. However, by historical standards, exit activity remains high and many firms anticipate this strong pace to continue in 2019.