The provider sector once again beat out its healthcare rivals when it came to global private equity buyouts last year, accounting for 45% of total deals or nearly $19 billion, according to a new report from Bain & Company.

"Healthcare in general and providers within healthcare continue to be an area that's attracted a lot of private equity interest," said Jason Slocum, a co-author on the report and partner in Bain's Boston office. "There is a lot of capital chasing the deals that come up."