The secondaries market continues to deliver surprises and this year was no exception, with massive stapled deals, headline GP-led processes, and fundraising and deal volume set to break records.
The wider macro environment was so full of “known-unknowns” – Brexit negotiations, the Trump administration tax plan, rising North Korea tensions – that many players adopted a “keep calm and carry on” attitude, despite whispers of an impending downturn.
As we all prepare to take a few well-deserved days off to celebrate the holiday season, it’s time to reflect on the highs and lows of the last year – and cast your vote in sister publication Private Equity International‘s annual awards.
Few will contest that 2017 was a watershed year for GP-led processes. Brand-name primary managers began using them to help with fundraising through stapled deals, and fund restructuring have continued to make headlines.
By 7 December, 23 funds had raised $29.8 billion for private equity secondaries alone, racing towards last year’s record high of $33.9 billion across all asset classes.
In a year when fundraising and deal volume are expected to set new records, which transaction deserves to be named ‘Secondaries Deal of the Year’? Which buyer made the biggest waves? Which advisor has been pushing the envelope? And which law firm has been making transactions happen?
With more than 70 categories across three regions, including 12 for secondaries, you’re encouraged to vote in any category you feel you’re qualified to judge. You will notice plenty of familiar categories, as well as a new global section.
To help you navigate the voting process we’ve drawn up a shortlist for each category based on our coverage throughout the year, our conversations with the market and your submissions. You can also add your own choice, if you feel that the rightful winner isn’t on our list.
The rules for voting are simple: you may only vote once; you may not vote for yourself or your own firm nor engage in block voting; and non-corporate email addresses will be discounted (so, no Hotmail or Gmail entries). The polls close on Friday 5 January, with results revealed in March.
We can’t wait to find out your thoughts. TO START VOTING, VISIT OUR AWARDS PAGE
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