Eamon

U.S.-based financial sponsors seem to be holding on to their investments longer these days, based on the numbers Buyouts has tracked on the M&A and IPO fronts. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, both exits strategies seem to be in less use at the end of each period.

U.S.-based buyout and mezzanine shops have secured about $129.5 billion in its fundraising efforts through the first nine months of 2012. In addition, disclosed deal volume is around $57.6 billion through Sept. 17.

Standard & Poor’s classified slightly more entities as at risk of a debt default last month, compared with its view in late May. By our count, the number with financial sponsors dropped by one to 17 over the same period

Buyout and mezzanine firms based in the United States have raised $120.17 billion so far this year, reflecting a number of interim and final closings including the $2.5 billion close of Blackstone Energy Partners LP, which had a $2 billion target.

The New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, is investigating a tax strategy that buyout firms employ whereby LPs agree to waive a percentage of management fees upfront in exchange for an equivalent amount to be paid later from partnership profits.