Secondary buyouts (SBOs) now represent over 60% of the overall buyout activity. In this paper, I investigate the possible determinants of such spectacular growth. I find that first round buyers generate a large and significant abnormal improvement in operating performance. In contrast, SBO operating growth is not different from that of its peer group. Returns to secondary private equity (PE) investors are positive, but significantly lower than those of first round buyers. I examine several alternative drivers of SBOs and find that favorable credit market conditions and PE reputation drive secondary investment volume.