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Private Equity in 2026: Why “12 is the new five” | Bain & Company | Fund Shack Ep. 89
With Ross Butler · Sunday, July 5, 2026
This episode delves into Bain & Company's 2026 Private Equity report, revealing that firms now need 12% EBITDA growth to match past returns, a phenomenon dubbed "12 is the new five." The discussion explores how value is created, with a surprising finding that margin expansion has contributed almost nothing to returns. It also examines the transformative role of AI in private equity and outlines key components of a world-class value creation plan.
Key takeaways
- Private equity firms, including those partnering with OpenAI and Anthropic, are moving beyond AI proof-of-concepts, integrating tools for investment and value creation efficiency. Read more →
1 article from this episode
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