JPMorgan’s M&A chief sees softer 2027–but a potential upside surprise in private equity exits | Fortune

JPMorgan Chase’s M&A chief, Charlie Bouckaert, said he expects a softer 2027 for dealmaking while flagging a potential upside surprise from private equity exits. He noted that the private equity business model depends on exiting investments and returning capital to limited partners, making a pickup in exits necessary. The comments point to a possible rebound in deal activity even as the broader M&A outlook cools. Investors will watch whether private equity firms accelerate asset sales and capital returns in the coming year.