In Law360, Michael Lee and Peter Laybourn Discussed Private Equity Deal Trends and Market Recovery in 2025

Michael Lee, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Peter Laybourn, co-head of the firm’s global asset management group, shared their perspectives in a recent Law360 article examining how private equity firms adapted to market uncertainty and shifting economic conditions throughout 2025.

Michael noted that the valuation gap between buyers and sellers has narrowed in certain sectors, fostering optimism for increased deal activity. “People hope that will translate to additional deal count as well,” Michael told Law360. “Things are headed in the right direction, but it hasn’t been something that has completely corrected itself. I think thematically, we do expect the deal market to continue to recover over the course of the next year. Even if there are some policy disruptions, I think firms are equipped to handle it better.”

Peter added that he expects private equity fundraising momentum to increase as the market continues to gain strength. Their insights highlight a cautiously optimistic outlook for private equity dealmaking and fundraising heading into 2026.