Central Europe Private Equity Confidence Survey - August 2026 (Deloitte)

Summary

• The Deloitte Central European Private Equity Confidence Survey Index lands at 132, remaining above the historical average of 116.p.4
• Central and Eastern European private equity exits reached €1.7 billion in 2025, representing a 26% increase on the norm.p.4
• A vast majority of 74% of respondents expect the overall economic backdrop to remain unchanged.p.5
• Over two-thirds (70%) of surveyed investors expect current debt availability and leverage levels to be maintained.p.5
• More than half (56%) of private equity practitioners intend to focus mainly on new investments for the remainder of the year.p.10
• Mid-market buyouts in the region rose by 52% in 2025 to €780 million across a record 24 companies.p.12

Key insights

1. Central Europe's private equity index stands at 132, demonstrating strong resilience and optimism above the long-term average of 116.p.6
2. Poland leads regional growth with GDP expected to reach 3.5% in 2026, driven by private consumption.p.8
3. Ares and Kartesia are firmly established non-bank lenders in Central Europe, supplementing traditional bank financing options.p.9
4. Middle-size growing companies are expected to attract the highest level of deal competition by 41% of survey participants.p.15
5. Most private equity firms (56%) utilize AI tools to a moderate degree, though enterprise-wide adoption remains limited.p.20
6. Only 10% of survey respondents currently have AI embedded directly into their investment and portfolio management processes.p.21