Key Takeaways from the EMEA Private Equity Breakfast in London
October 15th, 2025
Pedersen & Partners and CMS UK co-hosted the EMEA Private Equity Breakfast in London.
The event brought together representatives from local and international private equity firms for discussions and networking around the latest EMEA private equity market trends and strategic insights.
The panel discussion was moderated by Poul Pedersen, Executive Chairman, Pedersen & Partners, and Valentina Santambrogio, Partner, CMS.
Panelists included:
- Nitin Kaul - Partner, Head of Portfolio Operations Group, Helios Investment Partners
- Filip Kisdobranski - Partner, MidEuropa
- Nathalie Kornhoff Brüls - General Partner, Noteus
- Michal Lange - Partner, Business Services, Astorg
- Marc Stoneham - Partner, Development Partners International
- Arnold Vos - Partner, Alteri Investors
Key takeaways from the panelists in conversation:
- EMEA exit volumes and DPI are below historic levels, which is a problem. Quality assets are easy to exit, but the overall exit environment remains challenging, which has resulted in an ongoing use of continuation funds.
- MidEuropa, which invest in Central & Eastern Europe, has had strong exits in 2025.
- Exit considerations have more than ever become an important part of investment committee decisions and value creation plans throughout the whole investment period, including at the inception of the investment.
- Overall new deal activity has been slow, while exit activities have taken priority. While valuations continue to be lower compared to the 2021 peak levels, they have started to stabilise, although some sellers’s expectations on price have not yet re-adjusted
- External factors like an unpredictable geo-political environment, AI and cost increases were highlighted as those having the most material impact on portfolio companies.
- The outlook in Africa is positive and there has been a welcome shift towards European vs US technology firms.
- The prevailing view on 2026 is cautious to slightly positive.
We thank all who attended and contributed to an engaging and thought-provoking morning.