In private equity, capital typically has a limited life span (an average of five years), before it is returned to its investors. The large amount of dry powder, unused capital resting in the hands of private equity that has yet to be invested, currently flooding the market indicates that private equity firms are holding back on their ability to invest.

As many versed in buying and selling businesses know, timing is everything in mergers and acquisitions. While no optimal manner of delivery has been perfected, experts can agree on the preferred timing of announcing the news to the general public.