JPM · News · 20261106N

M&A Market Outlook

JPMORGAN CHASE & CO · 2026-11-06 · Importance 17 · Surprise 24

JPMorgan’s global head of M&A, Charlie Bouckaert, expects a softer M&A market in 2027 but anticipates more private-equity exits. He attributed the expected push for liquidity to aging holdings, approaching refinancing deadlines and investors seeking capital returns, against a large backlog of unsold investments. He said exits could take forms including continuation funds and secondary deals.

Key facts

• JPMorgan global head of M&A Charlie Bouckaert anticipates a softer M&A market in 2027 but expects an increase in private equity exits. source
• JPMorgan’s M&A chief says private equity exits are being driven by aging holdings, approaching refinancing deadlines and investors seeking capital returns, despite a massive backlog of unsold investments. source
• JPMorgan’s M&A chief expects private equity exits to take varying forms, including continuation funds and secondary deals, and says the need for private equity firms to return capital will lead to greater deal flow in this segment. source