Private Equity: Breaking All Records
Private Equity, The Netherlands | Report | Q4 2021
Q4 2021 showed a remarkable recovery after the COVID-19 dip in Q2 and Q3 of 2020. Supported by low interest rates, the abundancy of capital and strong company performances and prospects, 2021 became a record year, as can be read in this report.
Throughout 2021, M&A activity in the Netherlands maintained its momentum of 300+ deals per quarter, showing strong and sustainable recovery after the 2020 COVID-19 dip. On top of that, Q4 2021 reported 333 closed deals: the highest quarterly deal count of the past four years.
The jump in dealmaking between 2020 and 2021 was largely driven by strong recovery of M&A appetite by strategics, proven by a noticeable 42% increase from 664 deals in 2020 to 944 deals in 2021. In addition, PE deals increased by 24% from 258 deals in 2020 to 319 deals in 2021, also contributing to the rise.
The number of M&A deals in the Netherlands has never been higher, with more than 100 M&A transactions closed each month, while valuations reached the highest point seen over the past decade. M&A market fundamentals are also strong for 2022. Debt is easily available at attractive rates, PE funds have a huge pile of dry powder and the hunt for return on capital is fully on, as we have also noticed in our own portfolio. Our pipeline of M&A, debt and ECM mandates is packed and triggers a vast amount of interest from potential buyers, investors and lenders.
The hot market forces parties to look for new ways to make returns, for example by recurring revenue financing instruments, as will be highlighted in the debt chapter of this newsletter.
Download PDF
For more expert commentary in this sector, download the report below.
Talk to the experts - Private equity support across the board
Partner
Full profile
Associate Director
Full profile
Partner Debt Advisory
Full profile
Partner Equity & ECM Advisory
Full profile