Christian Westra in Mergermarket on M&A Rebound Post U.S. Midterm Elections

In a recent Mergermarket article, Christian Westra, co-leader of the private equity transactions practice, said dealmakers will be more motivated after the November midterm elections because they will have more clarity on policy.

“Once the outcome of the midterm elections is known, dealmakers will be better able to price in the changes,” Christian said. “Historically, coming out of an election cycle, there has often been a rebound in deal activity, so we are hopeful that will be the case.”

If Democrats capture the House of Representatives, private equity firms and their portfolio companies, particularly in sectors already drawing political attention, such as healthcare, housing, defense, and youth sports can expect more scrutiny, including hearings, subpoenas, and testimony, Christian told Mergermarket. However, merger enforcement won’t materially change because the White House will continue to control the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission.