Capital Advisors
RURAL TELCO INSIGHTS for Private Equity
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Capital Advisors
2026 | Private Equity Market Structure NC, SC, FL, and southern VA
This report summarizes the total number of private equity firms with headquarters or significant regional operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and southern Virginia (south of Richmond, including Tidewater (Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, Newport News, Suffolk) and Roanoke markets).
ShadowHornet Capital Advisors
NC, SC, FL, and southern VA PE Market Data and Deal Flow Statistics for 2026
This report summarizes the total number of private equity firms with headquarters or significant regional operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and southern Virginia (south of Richmond, including Tidewater (Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, Newport News, Suffolk) and Roanoke markets). Download the .XLS below to work with data.
Total Private Equity Firms in Market Segment | ||||
Lower Mid (<$75M) | Mid Market (>$75M - $500M) | Upmarket (>$500M) | Total | |
NC | 28 | 20 | 7 | 55 |
SC | 5 | 4 | 1 | 10 |
FL | 33 | 60 | 16 | 109 |
SE Total | 66 | 84 | 24 | 174 |
Nationally | 2684 | 2562 | 854 | 6100 |
Total Portcos Owned by Private Equity by Market Segment | ||||
Lower Mid (<$75M) | Mid Market (>$75M - $500M) | Upmarket (>$500M) | Total | |
NC | 308 | 540 | 511 | 1359 |
SC | 55 | 108 | 73 | 236 |
FL | 363 | 1620 | 1168 | 3151 |
SE Total | 726 | 2268 | 1752 | 4746 |
Nationally | 29524 | 69174 | 62342 | 161040 |
Projected 2026 Annual Deals By Southeast Market Segment | ||||
Lower Mid (<$75M) | Mid Market (>$75M - $500M) | Upmarket (>$500M) | Total | |
NC | 29 | 20 | 7 | 56 |
SC | 5 | 4 | 1 | 10 |
FL | 34 | 61 | 16 | 111 |
SE Total | 67 | 86 | 24 | 177 |
Nationally | 2,738 | 2,613 | 871 | 6,222 |
Private Deal Flow (Total Southeast) | ||
2024 | 2025 | 2026 (projected) |
6896 | 6064 | 6185 |
Summary:
A firm focused on the Lower Mid Market in NC, SC, and FL is marketing to:
66 total firms, 28 of these in NC, 5 in SC, and 33 in FL
If they choose to compete in the Mid Market, they add 84 additional firms, 20 in NC, 4 in SC, and 60 in FL
There are 726 portfolio companies held by Lower Mid Market private equity firms in NC, SC, and FL.
If they choose to compete in the Mid Market, they add 2,268 additional firms, 540 in NC, 108 in SC, and 1620 in FL
Of the 66 lower mid market firms, it is likely that 66 total deals will occur in 2026, 28 in NC, 5 in SC, and 33 in FL.
If Middle Market is added, then an additional 84 deals will occur, 20 in NC, 4 in SC, and 60 in FL.
Firms marketing services to the LMM segment, in summary, are trying to build relationships with 66 total firms in the target market, with 28 in NC, 5 in SC, and 33 in FL. They are trying to offer services to 726 companies. They are offering M&A services for a total of 66 expected deals in 2026.
Bolstering market size by adding Middle Market brings different expectations, costs, and buyer sophistication, drawing out sales cycle times. This segment is more likely to see competition from Big 4, and upmarket competition amidst a more fierce and scarce competitive landscape.
December 8, 2025