Deals
AI and War Spook Buyers for Private-Equity Firms Itching to Sell
An impact on a street near the French embassy in Tel Aviv following an Iranian strike, on April 1.
Photographer: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
Private equity sales have fallen by more than a third this year, as developments in artificial intelligence and war in Iran heap pressure on a subdued exit market.
Buyout firms were sellers in deals valued at about $103 billion in the first quarter, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Though still above historical averages, the figure is roughly 36% lower than the same period a year ago and stands out in an M&A market flush with megadeals.