The European Commission has opened a call for feedback on obstacles that private equity investors face when exiting investments in the EU and on possible policy responses, as part of its savings and investments union work to improve access to finance for EU startups and scaleups. The consultation focuses on barriers to exiting private equity investments, including situations where investors cannot wait for an initial public offering to realise gains and where a lack of credible valuation of private assets hinders transactions. It also seeks views on the merits and design features of a platform for secondary trading of private company shares and whether such a platform could be extended to support the raising of new equity capital. Feedback is open until 27 April 2026 from a broad range of stakeholders, including companies seeking early-stage capital and private equity investors, and will inform the Commission’s decision on whether further action is warranted.
European Commission 2026-03-02
European Commission launches consultation on private equity exit barriers and a possible secondary trading platform for private shares
The European Commission seeks feedback on challenges faced by private equity investors exiting investments in the EU, aiming to enhance access to finance for startups and scaleups. The consultation addresses barriers like delayed IPOs and inadequate asset valuation, and explores a secondary trading platform for private company shares. Stakeholder input will guide the Commission's decision on potential policy actions.