Real Deals Private Equity Awards 2027: Entries Close 27 November

Last checked against official sources: 22 October 2026

* Dates and timings are subject to change, please check directly with the awards organisers.

Entries for the Real Deals Private Equity Awards 2027 close on Friday 27 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT. The published deadline applies to all categories, and submitting an entry is free. Use the time to choose the right category and gather evidence of what your firm or transaction achieved.

The organiser may agree short extensions individually in advance. Plan for the published deadline rather than assuming that an extension will be available to everyone.

Check the European Connection

The awards focus on European private equity activity, with different geographical requirements:

• House of the Year and specialist categories: firms must be headquartered in Europe or have significant European operations.
• Deal of the Year categories: the portfolio company must be headquartered in the country or group of countries specified by the category.
• Advisory categories: firms can be based anywhere, but the entry must concern work for European private equity clients.

The FAQ gives 1 October 2025 as the start of the general qualifying period for work. For Deal of the Year categories, it specifically requires exits completed since 1 October 2026. These are different periods: confirm the requirements of your chosen category before selecting your case study.

Build an Evidence-Led Submission

Create a separate entry for each category and answer every question in full, even when information overlaps. The organiser asks for concise entries supported by facts, figures and examples rather than marketing language. You need to register with the organiser to view the specific entry questions.

The FAQ identifies exit multiples, revenue growth, headcount, geographical expansion and responses to challenges among the factors considered by judges. Choose the measures relevant to your category, explain the starting point and show what changed. Make your own contribution clear, rather than relying on the reputation of the deal or firm.

The organiser says submitted information is confidential and seen only by its shortlisting team and judges. Obtain any necessary client permissions and check what you can disclose before preparing the final version. Use Crafting Winning Awards Entries to turn your evidence into a focused story.

Plan Beyond the Entry Deadline

The shortlist announcement is planned for January 2027. The ceremony is scheduled for 21 April 2027 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.

Free entry does not mean free attendance: finalists must purchase tickets to attend the ceremony. Include that potential cost in your budget and wait for the organiser's official announcement before publicising a shortlist place.

Sources

• Official FAQs: 23:59 GMT cutoff, free entry, geographical and qualifying-period rules, submission process, confidentiality, judging factors and paid ceremony attendance.
• Official 2027 programme homepage: open nominations, entry deadline, programme scope and announcement calendar.