The survey shows that business leaders are becoming much more optimistic, with 63 percent expecting the U.S. economy to improve in the next six months, up from 43 percent in February.

The hiring outlook is the best it has been since 2007 - 44 percent of business leaders report that their companies will increase hiring in the next six months, with only 12 percent saying that their companies will decrease the number of people they employ.

Business leaders' view of their own businesses also improved, with 87 percent feeling much more optimistic about their companies' growth over the next six months, compared with 74 percent in February.

With regard to the recession, a quarter (24%) think that it will end in 2010, while nearly half (48%) say it will take until some time in 2011 for the economy to come out of recession. One out of six executives (16%) says that the recession is already over.

The survey was conducted between May 4 and May 14, 2010, with more than 370 senior executives from various industries responding to the survey.

If you or your clients own a privately held business, this increased optimism suggests that now is the ideal time to consider your options. A significant increase in business leader optimism is a leading indicator of increased valuations and increased buyer activity. Contact your local MidCap Advisors office to understand the value of your business and to explore the strategic options that may be available to you.