Key Takeaways
- • Bain experts Jeff Crane and Andrew Grieve presented a webinar, published October 6, 2026, on economic, geopolitical, and structural trends shaping the industrials sector and their implications for private equity investment priorities and dealmaking.
- • Publisher context cites that private equity accounted for 42% of global industrials M&A capital in the first half of 2025, making sponsors the largest buyer category in the sector.
- • Industrial companies are increasingly seeking private capital to focus on core businesses and pursue strategic plan changes, according to Bain publisher materials.
- • Defence priorities, roll-ups, and digital transformation are cited as key drivers of industrials and services M&A as buyers pursue sustained growth and strategic control.
- • Private equity valuations are described as attractive amid macroeconomic uncertainty and volatility, per Bain publisher context.
Summary
According to Bain's publisher materials, private equity has become the most active buyer category in industrials. Sponsors accounted for 42% of global industrials M&A capital in the first half of 2025. Bain also notes that industrial companies are increasingly seeking private capital as they focus on core businesses and take steps to elevate their strategic plans.
Bain's related research identifies defence priorities, roll-up strategies, and digital transformation as principal drivers of industrials and services M&A, as buyers pursue sustained growth and strategic control. Bain's industrials outlook also examines public market valuations, macroeconomic trends, and deal activity across key sub-sectors.
Bain characterizes the current macroeconomic backdrop as one of uncertainty and volatility, while stating that private equity valuations remain attractive. The publisher frames this environment as creating opportunities for sponsors that adjust their approach to sourcing targets and optimizing portfolios.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.