Ireland Sees Europe’s Fastest PE Deal Growth

Source: PitchBook, David Stevenson
Photo: Getty Images

Ireland saw the most growth in PE deal activity among European countries over the last five years, with an average annual increase of over 30%. The country saw 147 deals completed in 2021, nearly three times 2016’s total of 57.

Israel—which is included in our European totals—saw the second biggest leap in PE deal volume, growing an average of 26.6% a year. Again, the country started with a low base, with just 21 deals completed in 2016, versus 64 in 2021. Portugal and Denmark also saw significant annual increases in deal activity, averaging 23.7% and 22.6%, respectively.

These countries still account for a relatively small share of overall deal count. Ireland’s PE deal value for 2021 totaled €10.4 billion, while Israel’s was only €3.6 billion. The region’s most active market continues to be the UK, which saw 1,823 deals completed last year worth a total €102 billion. Meanwhile, the two other largest markets—France and Germany—notched 978 and 719 deals, respectively, worth nearly €30 billion and €24 billion in total.

Featured image by BUTENKOV ALEKSEI/Shutterstock

https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/europe-pe-growth-ireland