U.S. private equity deals valued at $520 billion closed in 2007. That's more than double the value of such deals the previous year (Dealogic). But no one is celebrating the record year, for obvious reasons. The current year is off to a really slow start, continuing the slowing pace established in late 2007--and some are convinced we are in a prolonged big deal slump. For the first week of the year, only 99 deals (not just PE deals) were announced. That's the lowest total in a decade, notes the New York Times. So we have to think the era of mega-deals is closed for now. What about middle market deals? They may fare better. All in all, there are still deals to be had. In fact, it is an opportunity for the investment bankers. With the financial guys sidelined, they have a better opportunity to ink a strategic deal. Still, overall volumes will decline, but they won't exactly wither.  

For more:
- here's an AP article on the volume in 2007
- here's an item from the New York Times