Private equity firms are this year set for their highest number of deals as record-low interest rates spur debt-fuelled company buyouts.

A report by Bain & Company forecasts an all-time high of 212 “take-private” transactions this year, compared to the previous high of 192 in 2007.

The flurry of activity comes at a time of record-low interest rates, which have helped private equity buyers secure cheap financing for deals.

“These transactions need masses of debt and equity,” said Brenda Rainey, a senior director at Bain & Company, “The debt markets are supportive.”