New York - U.S. private equity firms raised $44.3 billion among 68 funds during the first quarter, according to newly released statistics from Dow Jones Private Equity Analyst.

The number represents a 67% increase from the $26.6 billion raised in the first quarter of 2006.

"The strength in fund raising this year shows the continued dominance of mega buyout funds,'' said Jennifer Rossa, the managing editor of Private Equity Analyst.

"However, there are expectations in the private equity industry that there will be more room for other fund raising strategies this year."

Also during the quarter, 22 venture capital funds raised $3.8 billion, down from the $4.4 billion raised in the first quarter of 2006.

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