2026 Dechert PE Outlook Report: Signs of a Gradual Thaw

Contents

Methodology

2

Foreword

3

Introduction

4

Key findings

6

Deal environment

8

The impact of technology

14

Sector focus

15

Fund trends

20

LP co-investments

23

North America spotlight

24

Private credit

26

EMEA spotlight

30

Alternative liquidity solutions

32

Antitrust and national security

39

Asia-Pacific spotlight

42

Conclusion

44

Key takeaways

45

Methodology In July 2025, Mergermarket , on behalf of Dechert LLP, surveyed 100 senior-level executives at different private equity firms based in North America (45%), EMEA (35%) and Asia-Pacific (20%). In order to qualify for inclusion, the firms all needed to have US$2.5 billion or more in assets under management, and respondents could not be first-time fund managers. The survey included a combination of qualitative and quantitative questions, and all interviews were conducted over the telephone by appointment. Results were analyzed and collated by Mergermarket , and all responses are anonymized and presented in aggregate.

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