Key Takeaways
- • CBIZ Private Equity Advisory's Q3 2026 Private Equity Market Update says sponsors are adjusting to higher financing costs, greater selectivity, and shifting competition in deploying capital.
- • CBIZ says financing economics increasingly differ by borrower quality, and higher borrowing costs are raising the hurdle for attractive investments.
- • Deal activity is described as modestly improving but highly selective, with exit liquidity concentrated and fundraising favoring scale, according to the firm's Deal Metrics Update.
- • Growing investor interest in the middle market is reshaping competition, per CBIZ's M&A Market Perspective.
Summary
CBIZ Private Equity Advisory has published its Q3 2026 Private Equity Market Update, which examines how private equity sponsors are navigating the current market. According to the firm, higher financing costs, greater selectivity, and shifting competition are shaping where and how capital is being deployed.
The firm's M&A Market Perspective, titled "Underwriting the New Normal," argues that financing economics increasingly vary by borrower quality. It also notes that higher borrowing costs are raising the bar for attractive investments, and that growing interest in the middle market is reshaping competition among buyers.
CBIZ's Deal Metrics Update, featuring "Modest Gains on Steady Ground" and "The Liquidity Divide," characterizes deal activity as modestly improving but highly selective. The update also highlights concentrated exit liquidity and a fundraising environment in which capital increasingly favors scale.
The publication is informational and promotional in nature, and CBIZ states that it is not providing specific financial, tax, or consulting advice. The full report is available for download from the firm's website. No specific deal values, fund sizes, or named transactions are disclosed in the available text.
The firm's M&A Market Perspective, titled "Underwriting the New Normal," argues that financing economics increasingly vary by borrower quality. It also notes that higher borrowing costs are raising the bar for attractive investments, and that growing interest in the middle market is reshaping competition among buyers.
CBIZ's Deal Metrics Update, featuring "Modest Gains on Steady Ground" and "The Liquidity Divide," characterizes deal activity as modestly improving but highly selective. The update also highlights concentrated exit liquidity and a fundraising environment in which capital increasingly favors scale.
The publication is informational and promotional in nature, and CBIZ states that it is not providing specific financial, tax, or consulting advice. The full report is available for download from the firm's website. No specific deal values, fund sizes, or named transactions are disclosed in the available text.
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