I. Introduction
In 2007, extraordinary developments occurred in both the private equity markets and
the economy overall. The year began with a continuation of the enthusiasm of prior
years, fueled by aggressive credit markets and great optimism among both private equity
general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs). By year-end, the bullish sentiment
had changed dramatically. The challenges affecting the broader securitization and debt
markets ultimately impacted the private equity landscape, forcing a review of leverage
levels, suspending many transactions, and raising questions about the sources and
sustainability of past returns. Debate centered not on whether the economy was
slowing, but on whether the slowdown would lead to recession, and whether the macroeconomic
weakness was local to the U.S. or a global concern.
Amidst this uncertainty and volatility, private equity GPs and LPs are carefully
monitoring their existing portfolios and continuing to assess new investments.
Recognizing that severe market dislocations, balance sheet pressures, and liquidity needs
may give rise to unique opportunities, investors are approaching the current
environment with both caution and intrigue.
To assess the viewpoints of private equity market participants, the research team of the
Goldman Sachs Alternative Investments & Manager Selection (AIMS) Group developed
the Goldman Sachs Private Equity Diagnostic. This year-end survey of leading GPs and
LPs was designed to gauge the overall confidence level of investors and to capture opinion
regarding return expectations, fundraising activity, investment opportunities, areas of
concern, and key trends impacting the private equity industry among other issues. The
2007 survey gathered the opinions of over 300 respondents from around the world.1
This research note presents the results of this year’s survey, along with some summary
statistics on the private equity markets.
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