Private Equity Revives India Deals, Supports 13M US Workers

Private equity (PE) continues to play a significant role in shaping industries and economies globally, with notable impacts in the US and India. In the US, more than 13 million workers are employed by over 21,000 PE-backed firms, earning an average of $85,000 in wages and benefits, contributing over $1 trillion in aggregate compensation. PE investments reached a record $123 billion in 2024, with a focus on older firms and sectors that enable expansion and technological upgrades, benefiting workers through profit-sharing and ownership programs. Meanwhile, India is witnessing a slowdown in PE deal activity in early 2025, but market valuations stabilizing and improved exit opportunities are expected to revive the sector in the second half of the year, supported by a surge in outbound mergers and acquisitions and the emergence of new unicorns. These trends illustrate PE's growing influence on global corporate strategies, driving cross-border growth and diversification. Additionally, private equity’s presence in various sectors—from retail and media to energy and banking—demonstrates its broad impact on industry restructuring and economic development.