Healthcare private equity outperformed other asset classes in 2018, according to Bain & Company’s eighth Global Healthcare Private Equity and Corporate M&A Report.

In the face of growing economic and sociopolitical instability across the globe, healthcare assets attracted investors at record levels last year.  Disclosed deal values surged almost 50 percent to $63.1 billion, topping last year’s level of $42.6 billion, and deal count rose to 316 in 2018 from 265 in 2017, due to strong investment activity across all regions and in sectors such as healthcare IT (HCIT), provider and biopharma. This included 18 deals greater than $1 billion each in disclosed deal value, pushing larger assets to levels that are out of reach for most buyers

“Last year was an incredible year for healthcare deals,” said Nirad Jain, co-head of Bain & Company’s global Healthcare Private Equity and Corporate M&A practices.  “Despite an especially volatile fourth quarter for both global markets and certain political landscapes that contributed to a strong sense of unease among most investment professionals, healthcare’s sturdy fundamentals and track record of strong performance were a beacon for investors seeking a safe haven. When combined with a glut of dry powder, increased fundraising and higher fund allocations, competition for healthcare assets intensified throughout the year—and, even today, shows no signs of abating.”

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