APAC Private Equity Deal Activity Falls 27% as Wales Sees 14% Growth

Private equity and M&A activity across the Asia‑Pacific region declined sharply in the first half of 2026. According to GlobalData, total deal activity fell about 12% year‑on‑year, with private equity transactions down 27% and M&A down roughly 25%. Venture financing was the only segment to grow, rising 5% as investors backed high‑growth technology firms. The slowdown varied by market: China posted a 7% increase in overall deals, India a modest 1% rise, while Japan, South Korea, Australia and Singapore saw declines of 40%, 22%, 17% and 16% respectively.

In contrast, private equity activity in Wales and the South West of the United Kingdom grew 14% year‑on‑year, with 72 deals completed in H1 2026, according to KPMG UK's private‑equity pulse. Bolt‑on transactions dominated, accounting for 71% of deals, and the region attracted 8% of all new UK private‑equity backing. Sectors highlighted included aerospace, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and food & drink. Despite this regional resilience, total UK private‑equity deal volume fell 3.4% year‑on‑year, with 888 deals closed in the first half of the year.