Global private equity investment activity has cooled considerably in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary calculations from data platform Pitchbook.
The analysis points to a significant slowdown in the aggregate value of acquisitions closed by the sector, marking a departure from the robust dealmaking pace observed in previous periods.
1% of closed transactions in Europe, highlighting a notable retreat in cross-Atlantic dealmaking.
This deceleration aligns with broader trends in the private markets, where capital deployment has become more selective.
The slowdown in Q2 follows earlier signals of weakening momentum, particularly in cross-border transactions.
Data from the first five months of the year showed that US private equity funds accounted for just 18.1% of closed transactions in Europe, highlighting a notable retreat in cross-Atlantic dealmaking.
The pullback is not uniform across all regions.