By John C R Nery (pictured), Managing Director and Head of Investments, Squircle Capital – After a challenging few years for private capital, this year looks to hold a more optimistic investment environment. Inflation is falling and interest rates are expected to continue their downward decline, so it’s likely we’ll see the M&A market opening up once again. EY’s CEO Outlook Pulse states that “PE leaders and corporate CEOs have a bullish outlook for M&A in 2024, citing the return of the megadeal in a more buoyant buy-sell environment.”