# Global private equity exit volume decreased by 6.25% in the first quarter.

*business · news · 2026-04-20 · Benzinga*

## Key points

- Elon Musk's $250 billion SpaceX-xAI merger comprised about 80% of Q1 private equity exit value.
- This transaction set a new global M&A record, surpassing Vodafone's $203 billion Mannesmann takeover from 2000.
- Despite higher aggregate value, the number of private equity exits declined by 6.25% in Q1.
- IPO exits remained low at $1.32 billion, as markets for public listings have not broadly reopened.
- The IT sector led exit activity with 198 deals, ahead of industrials and healthcare sectors.

**Companies:** SpaceX, Elon Musk, FedEx Corp., Advent International Lp, PPF Group NV, Advent Global Opportunities Management LLC, InPost SA, AI Prime & Cy SCA, A&R Investment Ltd., Apollo Global
**Countries:** United States, Germany

[Read the full story on Benzinga](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/private-markets/26/04/51927397/spacex-stole-the-spotlight-from-kkr-triton-partners-group-one-deal)

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