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Insights

Statistical analysis and insight into activity and trends in M&A and capital markets.

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Recent Investment Banking Insights

  • Headlines vs. Trendlines: Unpacking an Up-and-Down First Quarter

    2025 began with a record-setting January, but gave way to a quiet March.

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  • The Quarterly Rx: Q1 2025 U.S. Biopharma Recap

    On Groundhog Day 2025, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and, as per tradition, predicted six more weeks of winter. That proved apropos of biopharma’s performance in the first quarter of 2025, as the sector finds itself reliving existential anxieties.

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  • William Blair Private Capital Advisory: 2025 Secondary Market Report

    After an exceptional 2024—with global secondary volume growing approximately 40% from 2023—market insiders remain bullish and expect $175 billion in global transaction volume this year.

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  • Five Highlights of Rollover Equity and Management-Equity Incentives

    Owner-operators seeking to sell their companies are increasingly being offered rollover equity and management-equity incentives—to keep them committed to the company’s ongoing success.

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  • Aviation Services Industry Update

    U.S. general aviation and business jet activity finished 2024 on a strong note—and global airline industry revenues are projected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time in 2025.

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  • As GP-Led Secondaries Grow, So Has Related Use of Reps and Warranties Insurance

    With GP-led secondaries setting records in 2024—and trendlines looking promising for 2025—secondary investors have increasingly turned to M&A-style insurance policies to facilitate their transactions.

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  • Beyond Dogs and Cats: Exploring Growth in Other Backyard Animals and Wildlife

    Backyard animals like chickens and horses, as well as small companion animals, are becoming increasingly popular among pet parents, retailers, and companies supplying products to the pet and animal industry.

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  • 2024 Record Totals for Secondaries Point to Positive 2025 Momentum

    Bullish predictions for the secondary market throughout 2024 proved accurate as volume hit record levels by yearend. Now, in 2025’s early weeks, market insiders remain optimistic—with expectations for continued LP- and GP-led growth.

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  • Opportunistic Activity Defies Gravity

    Opportunistic activity soared in the fourth quarter as borrowers capitalized on tightening spreads, closing out a record-setting year driven by the combination of rate cuts, a more stabilized economic outlook, and robust investor demand.

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  • An AI Inflection Point for Insurtech

    The technology necessary to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions across the insurance ecosystem appears to have finally arrived—with the potential to spur a new wave of investment and transaction activity.

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  • The Quarterly Rx: 2024 U.S. Biopharma Recap

    The William Blair biopharma team recaps key financing and strategic transaction activity from 2024, a year defined by resilience and recovery.

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