As private-equity firms grow more optimistic about the industry and the prospects for deal closings in the first half of 2012, they're ready to bring on more staff to help with the increased pulse of activity, according to a new survey.
EisnerAmper, a national advisory and accounting firm, polled 113 general partners, managing directors and chief financial officers, among other executives in the U.S., to gauge their attitude toward the industry and hiring specifically.
The survey found 37% of respondents said they will increase their staff, with 56% stating they're keeping their levels steady. Only 7% said they'd lay off in the first half of 2012.
Half of the respondents said they planned to bring on financial and operational staff, and a third indicated they plan to hire in the research/analysis area, too. About 26% of respondents said they would bring on staff specifically for compliance functions.
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(Source: MoneyWatch)