GF Data Reports Show Stronger Financing Markets Fueled M&A Gains in Q1

CHICAGO – May 19, 2026 – GF Data^®, an ACG^® company, has released its Q1 2026 M&A and Leverage Reports, highlighting renewed momentum in private equity-backed middle-market dealmaking fueled by a stronger financing environment.

GF Data’s contributing private equity firms reported 80 completed transactions during the first quarter at an average valuation of 7.3x trailing 12-month (TTM) adjusted EBITDA. Both readings held above their full-year 2025 levels, a directional turn after a year of inverse swings between count and pricing.

The reports point to improving credit conditions as a key driver of market activity. Debt availability increased during the first quarter, while average senior debt pricing on platforms fell to its lowest level since 2022, according to GF Data.

Those financing improvements, however, benefited some segments of the market more than others. Larger platform transactions saw stronger valuation gains, while pricing for smaller deals and add-on acquisitions remained relatively flat.

The M&A and Leverage Reports, available exclusively to GF Data subscribers, include detailed analysis of M&A activity and credit conditions, along with valuations by deal size, buyer type, industry, and other market factors. The Leverage Report provides expanded insights into debt usage, capital structures, and financing trends across sectors and transaction sizes.

Visit gfdata.com to learn more about GF Data and how its data and market intelligence help firms compete more effectively in middle-market dealmaking.

About GF Data

GF Data provides reliable, confidential data on private equity-sponsored M&A transactions in the $1 million–$500 million enterprise value range. Our proprietary data is sourced directly from active deal professionals and used by valuation firms, lenders, investors, and M&A advisors for benchmarking, valuation, and market analysis. Learn more about GF Data at gfdata.com or contact us at info@gfdata.com.

About ACG (Association for Corporate Growth) 

ACG is the premier global community for middle-market M&A professionals. ACG's mission is to empower dealmakers with the connections, insights, and resources that accelerate business growth. Founded in 1954, ACG’s global network operates in more than 60 markets worldwide and comprises more than 100,000 middle-market professionals who invest in, own, and advise growing companies. Learn more and become a member at acg.org.

Media Contact: 
Katie Maloney 
Vice President, Communications & Content
Association for Corporate Growth 
kmaloney@acg.org