Private Equity Had a its Best Q Since 2007

“NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — The private equity industry is on pace for a record year for sales and initial public offerings of its companies.

In the first quarter of 2012, private equity firms either sold or took public 112 companies, generating roughly $21 billion. That was the highest number of first quarter exits since 2007, according to private equity research firm PitchBook Data.

“What you’re seeing is the confluence of an improving economy, pretty strong debt markets and strong appetite among sellers and buyers,” said Gordon Pan, managing director at Baird Private Equity, which manages $3 billion.

Thanks to this year’s market rally, buyers and sellers appear confident about the pricing of deals. And banks are once again facilitating acquisitions by providing the debt financing….”

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