The value of written off investments by UK private equity firms last year was equal to that achieved through trade sales – the most popular method of divestment – according to research from the industry trade body and a leading consultancy.

Write-offs equalled trade sales as the most common forms of divestment with each accounting for 27% of all exits, according to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers and trade body the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.