The evolving private equity landscape is demonstrating resilience and renewed momentum in the face of persistent market uncertainty, particularly around global trade dynamics and tariff policies. While the new U.S. administration’s approach to tariffs has introduced new variables into dealmaking, particularly in cross-border scenarios, financial sponsors are navigating this environment with agility. Supported by a more favorable regulatory environment for dealmaking and greater alignment on valuation expectations, private equity investors are actively pursuing both acquisitions and exits. With a more favorable environment and signs of reduced scrutiny on larger transactions, firms are leaning into a market defined by regional divergence, shifting sector focus, and a growing willingness among both buyers and sellers to transact under well-understood frameworks.
Private equity activity has picked up materially in early 2025, with sponsors beginning to reinitiate exit processes amid a more receptive market backdrop and more predictable financing conditions. Many firms are now bringing portfolio companies to market after holding periods that, in some cases, extended beyond traditional timelines. On the acquisition side, privatization activity remains a dominant theme. Public market volatility has continued to create compelling entry points for buyers into the private equity space, especially in cases where companies are undervalued relative to long-term fundamentals. These factors enable sponsors to pursue long-term growth strategies without the pressure of quarterly reporting, unlike the public markets.
Private equity investors are increasingly focused on sectors that offer more stable regulatory conditions and are less vulnerable to external disruptions. While global opportunities still attract attention, much of the current activity is centered on industries where trade uncertainties and tariff risks are less of a concern. Although evolving tariff policies remain an important part of the diligence process, especially in supply-chain-intensive industries, deal execution has remained strong for companies with more predictable cost structures and domestic-oriented operations. Firms are prioritizing investments in businesses that are insulated from international volatility, with a clear path to growth. As a result, capital is being deployed into companies with robust margins, scalable business models and limited exposure to shifting trade policies.
With a sharper focus on geopolitical risks and regulatory trends, private equity firms are navigating the market with precision, fostering an environment where strategic flexibility and calculated risk-taking unlock long-term value and resilience.
M&A Market Activity
In April 2025, U.S. deal volume experienced a slight increase of 1.2 percent compared to March 2025. This uptick is attributed to a resurgence in private equity activity, particularly in sectors less affected by recent tariff implementations. Despite the broader market uncertainty, firms are leveraging strategic flexibility and focusing on industries with robust domestic operations to navigate the evolving landscape.
The Cleveland M&A market experienced a 21.1 percent decrease in activity in April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Cleveland–based companies Range Impact, Berlin Gardens, and Electronic Merchant Systems all completed acquisitions during the month of April.
Deal of the Month
On April 24, 2025, Cleveland–based Ver-A-Fast announced the acquisition of Northeast Ohio–based customer service leader Incept Results. The transaction brings together two organizations with more than a decade of collaboration, now united by shared values, complementary strengths and a joint commitment to delivering people-first, technology-enabled customer engagement at scale. Building on their combined legacy of remote agent excellence and customer service innovation, the newly formed organization is positioned to broaden its national footprint, enhance digital capabilities and deliver faster, more personalized customer interactions. ●
Sources: PitchBook™, S&P Capital IQ, MelCap Investment Banking knowledge, company websites, and public company filings.
Anthony A. Melchiorre is a director and principal at MelCap Partners LLC, a middle-market investment banking advisory firm.
For more information on MelCap Partners, please visit www.melcap.com or email [email protected].
