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NOW Ep122: A new cycle for private equity

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Private equity is shifting gears. As rates turn and investor confidence improves, funds are deploying again, and South Africa is firmly back on the radar. But this isn’t a return to excess, it’s a shift toward smarter leverage, disciplined execution and sharper capital structuring. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs speaks to Rishanth Pillay, Head of Sponsor Leveraged Finance at Investec Corporate & Investment Banking, about what’s driving the renewed momentum – and what could derail it.

Read more on www.investec.com/now
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:05 Big turning points in private equity
  • 03:31 Is private equity moving into a new investment cycle?
  • 05:26 Where are international private equity firms putting money right now?
  • 07:38 Is stability in SA translating into more deals?
  • 09:09 Does South Africa have an advantage?
  • 11:23 Are more deals being structured with higher leverage?
  • 12:17 Has the private equity playbook changed?
  • 13:47 Is AI making a difference in SA private equity firms
  • 15:51 Most attractive opportunities
  • 16:54 One structural trend that will define private equity in 2026
3 Mar English South Africa Business · Investing

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