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Woodruff Sawyer's 2026 Private Equity Looking Ahead Guide

Woodruff Sawyer, a Gallagher company and a well-respected insurance brokerage and consulting firm, has recently unveiled its 2026 Private Equity Looking Ahead Guide. With an impressive portfolio that spans over three decades, the firm has established its reputation as a trustworthy advisor within the private equity, venture capital, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) communities. It has successfully handled due diligence for insurance and employee benefits, as well as Representations and Warranties Insurance (RWI) brokerage services on more than 5,000 transactions across various market segments, including lower, core, and upper-middle markets.

As we navigate the complex landscape of 2026, the U.S. private equity market appears to be regaining strength after enduring a series of macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, global conflicts, and fluctuating interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates by 25 basis points in September has infused new energy into the market. The enthusiasm for deal-making that emerged in fourth quarter 2024 dwindled a bit in early 2025 due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding tariffs. However, dealmakers are adapting to the shifting dynamics, employing innovative strategies to bridge value gaps and finalize transactions.

According to Woodruff Sawyer's analysis, this late-year momentum is poised to continue into 2026, which is expected to experience more deal activity accompanied by strategic exits. The guidance offered in the 2026 Private Equity Looking Ahead Guide reflects an optimistic but cautious outlook for the upcoming year.

In today’s rapidly changing economic environment, private equity firms are increasingly zeroing in on the importance of risk management, thorough due diligence, and value creation in the aftermath of transactions. The latest guide delves into numerous pressing trends that are currently shaping private equity transactions. Key insights include the competitive landscape of RWI pricing, the surge in claims activity, and the strategic application of portfolio-style insurance programs. The guide emphasizes the pivotal role of proper due diligence in insurance and employee benefits, highlighting how lapses can significantly impact earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Furthermore, it underscores that innovative deal structures necessitate a refined approach to risk management.

Luke Parsons, the National Private Equity and Venture Capital Practice Group Leader at Woodruff Sawyer, expressed, “Private equity firms face unprecedented pressure to deliver value while managing an increasingly intricate risk environment. Our 2026 Guide is specifically crafted to empower deal teams to adopt a more strategic mindset toward risk management—both pre- and post-closing of deals. Whether through navigating the dynamics of the RWI market, circumventing costly diligence oversights, or structuring safeguard programs that both protect and enhance EBITDA, our aim is to provide our clients with the clarity and assurance they need to move forward.”

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the M&A landscape for 2026, Woodruff Sawyer’s full guide is an invaluable resource that provides detailed expert insights and actionable advice.

About Woodruff Sawyer

Woodruff Sawyer, a Gallagher company, has been a frontline insurance brokerage and consulting firm for over a century. Based in San Francisco, the firm has served a wide array of clients from emerging technology firms to large multinational corporations, offering access to an extensive suite of resources and data-driven insights.

For further inquiries, please call 844.972.6326 or visit woodruffsawyer.com.