Mary Kathleen Flynn

President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed tax increases provide incentives for privately held businesses to “sell sooner than later,” says EY’s Bill Casey. “Following a tax rate increase, there would likely be an increase in joint ventures and alliances.”

“The private equity industry welcomes the new administration and is very appreciative of the common sense approach that President- elect Joe Biden is signaling,” Pam Hendrickson, COO, the Riverside Co., says.

Deal value in the third quarter was up 98 percent from the second quarter, according to updated data from Refinitiv. “Dealmaking strongly rebounded far earlier than expectations,” says Matt Toole, director of deals intelligence.

"With interest rates where they currently are and other investment opportunities less attractive in the current environment, investors are putting their cash in a product that guarantees their money back," says Reed Smith partner Ari Edelman in this Q&A.

Roark-backed Inspire brands, the owner of Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic, buys Dunkin' Donuts. Stonepeak purchases broadband provider Astound from TPG. Refinitiv buys fraud prevention firm. Clearlake and AEI make technology-related deals.