Tom Fraser and Jessica Cooney Talk About Private Equity’s Building Momentum in The Wall Street Journal

In The News
August 30, 2024

Private equity dealmaking activity has been busier this summer than previously expected, with deals rising 12% in July from the number of transactions reported in June, as reported in Ropes & Gray’s August 2024 U.S. Private Equity Market Recap.

In The Wall Street Journal, M&A partners Tom Fraser and Jessica Cooney shared insights on what is driving a busy summer for private-equity and outlooks for dealmakers.

“Momentum has been building behind take-private transactions for some time,” Tom said. He added that “there is more momentum behind [initial public offering] activity, which could very well be a precursor to these liquidity opportunities.”

Jessica said that firms aren’t anticipating that an expected interest rate cut in September will “break open a market that’s otherwise been moving,” but that cheaper debt may continue to compound positive trends.