Sixty percent of the private equity executives surveyed by accounting firm Eisner LLP have seen an increase in debt financing availability in the first and second quarters of this year, compared to a year ago.
In addition, 68 percent anticipate a further increase in the second half of this year. Eisners survey of 120 senior private equity fund executives found that 70 percent of the respondents anticipate more acquisitions in the second half of this year compared to early 2009, while 60 percent believe there would be more sales and/or dispositions.
In addition, 70 percent of the private equity executives surveyed expect an increase in bidding activity for acquisitions in the second half of 2010.
A shift in 2009 from new investment activity toward portfolio performance enhancement caused private equity employees responsibilities to shift as well. For the second half of 2010, fund executives are experiencing moderate upward pressure to add professional staff.
Executives were also asked for their views on the attitudes of limited partners and the respondents felt that investors interest and focus on due diligence, as it relates to the fund manager and to the investments, will continue to rise in the second half of 2010.
