Global private equity deal volumes dipped in Q1, per S&P Global Market Intelligence data, as 1,200 deals closed worldwide—a 12% YoY decline. Yet deal value surged 18% to $1.1 trillion, driven by mega-mergers and leveraged buyouts. Bridge Growth Partners’ CEO Alok Singh, in a recent Q&A, highlighted a specialization gap in CV markets, warning that generic strategies fail to capture niche opportunities. Singh urged firms to prioritize sector-specific expertise to unlock growth amid fragmented liquidity.

Low deal counts reflect cautious investor sentiment, with buyers sidelining smaller targets. However, $1.1 trillion in value signals robust appetite for high-impact transactions. Singh noted that specialized CVs—particularly in tech, healthcare, and renewable energy—are critical for navigating sector volatility. He cited $450 million in unreported CVs in 2026 Q1, emphasizing transparency gaps.

Market context reveals diverging trends: dealmakers prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on $500 million+ deals that align with ESG mandates. Singh warned that non-specialized firms risk marginalization, as institutional investors demand niche expertise. The specialization gap also impacts talent retention, with 30% of mid-level professionals leaving firms lacking clear sector focus.

This divergence underscores a shift: value-driven deals dominate, but long-term success hinges on specialization. Singh advised firms to double down on CV expertise to adapt to evolving investor demands. For now, the $1.1 trillion milestone highlights resilience in private equity’s core despite headwinds.