The ?Private Equity Confidence Survey' conducted by Deloitte has found that venture capitalists (VCs) are confident that increased deal activity will be sustained for the first six months in 2005. Secondary buy-outs are expected to provide the largest source of new investment opportunities.
Mark Pacitti, Corporate Finance Partner at Deloitte, said: ?Despite the current wall of debt available to fund buy-out transactions, some uncertainty appears to exist within VCs over the level of debt funding available for transactions going forward. This sentiment may be contributing to the projected stabilisation at the current level rather than further growth in dealflow.?
Key findings:
Transaction volumes are set to stabilise at current levels for the next six months.
56% of VCs predict a further increase in portfolio exits during the next six months.
Secondary buyouts are forecast to surpass trade sales as the main source of exits.
Preferred sectors for new investment opportunities: support services, leisure, financial services.
Mark Pacitti went on to say: ?VCs expect secondary buy-outs to surpass trade sales as the most frequent exit route over the next twelve months, confirming the growing importance of secondary buy-outs as an exit route. In