Insights
Statistical analysis and insight into activity and trends in M&A and capital markets.
Recent Investment Banking Insights
The Quarterly Rx: Q2 2024 U.S. Biopharma Recap
After a strong start to the year, the biopharma sector faced renewed headwinds in Q2 2024 including a more hawkish outlook from the Federal Reserve.
Read more
Atmos CEO Discusses Customizing Solutions for Customers
Finding sustainable solutions has become a priority across industries. By creating environmentally friendly solutions for landfill operations and producing recycled asphalt for infrastructure applications, Atmos Technologies is finding unique approaches that positively impact communities.
Read more
Secondaries in 2024: Optimism, New Buyers, and Improving Deal Activity
Predictions that last year’s strong second half for secondaries portended good things have proved accurate so far in 2024, with new buyers emerging, bid-ask spreads shrinking, and deal activity improving. William Blair’s Private Capital Advisory team outlines the improving state of the secondary market in its latest report.
Read more
Aviation Services Industry Update
Year-over-year activity for general aviation and business jet activity was largely flat in the first quarter of 2024. But gains made since 2019 held steady—and other positive signs were clear across aviation services in this year’s first three months.
Read more
Leverage Loan Volume in Q1 Eclipses 2023
Q1 institutional loan volume hit its highest total since 2021, revitalizing leveraged finance markets after a humdrum 2023. With higher deal volume, anticipated rate cuts, and a more encouraging economic outlook, lenders are optimistic about the remainder of 2024.
Read more
Buy-Side Tactics—and Mistakes to Avoid
Whether a founder-owned business is considering its first acquisition or executing a defined consolidation strategy, there are effective tactics to gain a competitive edge. There are also some common mistakes.
Read more
CMMC 2.0 Set to Materially Expand Cyber and Regulatory Compliance Market
The 220,000+ companies that contract with the Department of Defense will soon face a significantly expanded regulatory framework—known as CMMC 2.0—designed to thwart increased cyber threats and secure the defense industrial base.
Read more
AviationPros Podcast: Addressing Trends and Concerns in the FBO Industry
Josh Ollek, managing director of William Blair’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services team, recently joined the AviationPros Podcast. Ollek discussed how high demand for private aviation—spurred by persistent delays and cancellations on commercial flights—has created a hangar shortage across the country. He also outlined electrification trends in private travel and among fixed-base operators.
Listen to the podcast
Understanding Increasingly Popular Holdco NAV Structures
NAV financing—loans to funds supported by the net asset value of their portfolios—has become increasingly popular with financial sponsors over the past year. This article, written in partnership with global law firm Proskauer Rose, outlines how the Holdco Structure helps navigate key considerations in NAV financings.
Read more
The Quarterly Rx: Q1 2024 U.S. Biopharma Recap
Biopharma’s rebound came into full effect in Q1 2024. In this report, William Blair's biopharma team shares its perspectives on the biopharma environment in Q1 2024 and what to expect for the remainder of the year.
Read more
Making Sure America Gets Bang for Its Infrastructure Buck
The country’s electrical, water, telecom, and transit systems are facing years of catch-up repair and maintenance needs—and not even a massive infusion of federal dollars can address all of them.
Read more