European Private Equity Activity 2019

It is no exaggeration to state that the decade from 2009 to 2019 was unprecedented for the private equity sector in Europe, in terms of growth, jobs, value creation and returns for investors.

The total equity amount invested in European companies increased 10% year-on-year to €94bn in 2019, the highest level ever recorded. 7,902 companies were invested into, 8% above the average for the previous five years, 84% of which were SMEs.

Total fundraising in Europe during 2019 reached €109bn, growth of 6% from 2018 and the highest total of the past decade. 578 funds raised capital during the year, 4% above the average of the previous five years.

Divestments at cost in 2019 are down 16% from the year before to €31bn. Further, all of the previous six years have seen higher divestment totals. 3,533 European companies were exited during the year, an 11% decrease from 2018.

Find out more detailed information in the report in attachment.