Best of LinkedIn: Private Equity: Exit Strategies CW 36/ 37

Private Equity Exits in 2026: Liquidity Challenges, Exit Readiness, and Alternative Ownership We curate most relevant posts about Private Equity: Exit Strategies on LinkedIn and regularly share key takeaways. We at Frenus support PE-backed manufacturers with the market intelligence needed to unlock revenue from idle production capacity. You can find more info here: https://www.frenus.com/usecases/unlock-revenue-from-idle-production-capacity This edition examines the current grappling with a massive backlog of unsold companies, as average hold periods have extended significantly beyond traditional timelines. With trillions of dollars in unrealised assets trapped in portfolios, firms are increasingly turning to alternative liquidity strategies such as secondaries, continuation funds, and structured equity. This stagnation is also driving business owners toward alternative ownership models, including employee-owned structures and direct investment from family offices that offer more flexibility than private equity. Despite these pressures, a small number of high-value transactions continue to close, particularly for companies that maintain a constant state of exit readiness. Consequently, sponsors are shifting their focus toward governance and data transparency to ensure portfolio companies are prepared for sale whenever market windows open. Overall, the sector is being reshaped by the need to manage this clogged pipeline while seeking creative ways to return capital to investors. This podcast was created via Gemini Notebook.