Happy New Year, Hubsters. MK Flynn here with the Wire. “And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” -Rainer Maria Rilke Private equity dealmakers are indeed welcoming the new year, with most expressing optimism about 2024, especially toward the second half. Our series of Q&As with private equity thought leaders continues today, featuring my interview with Fraser van Rensburg, co-founder and managing partner of Asante Capital Group. A flurry of deal announcements this morning underscores the momentum. Arlington Capital Partners just announced a new manufacturing platform. And AUA bought a fourth-generation family-owned maker of snacks. Upgrade to the premium version to learn all about those deals and more. “The beauty of private equity…” PE Hub’s ongoing series of Q&As with private equity thought leaders features a wide range of perspectives. Today, we hear from Fraser van Rensburg, co-founder and managing partner of Asante Capital Group, an advisory and private markets placement firm with offices in London, New York, Hong Kong and Munich. Subscribers to the premium version of the Wire may read the interview. For more of PE Hub’s ongoing series of Q&As with private equity thought leaders, see: Hamilton Lane’s Hartley Rogers: Private equity will separate into winners and losers Cambridge Associates’ Andrea Auerbach: Rate cuts in 2024 may break the transaction logjam and spur activity EQT’s Alex Darden: Private capital has a huge role to play in the transition to net zero Vista’s Patrick Severson: Promising enterprise software sectors in 2024 include cybersecurity, energy transition, healthcare IT Penny for your thoughts? Before I sign off, I want to draw your attention to some other content featured on PE Hub this week. We’ve got a new auction date for any PE buyers that might be interested in bidding for bankrupt Rite Aid’s stores. Senior reporter Michael Schoeck has been following Rite Aid’s sales closely and will continue to bring you updates. And, there’s a steady stream of promotions and new hires, as we usually see in January. To find those announcements covered by Iris Dorbian, go to the People page on PE Hub. Finally, I’d love to hear from you. What are your hopes and dreams for 2024? Reach out to me at mk.flynn@pei.group Obey Martin Manayiti will bring you tomorrow’s Wire, and I’ll be back with you on Monday. Happy dealmaking until then, MK Read the full wire commentary on PE Hub ... | 