Last updated: March 19, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
Dealmaking & Exits
The European exit market showed signs of activity, with CVC Capital Partners and Nordic Capital exploring sale options for Cary Group that could achieve a valuation exceeding €3 billion. In the secondaries space, Bindley Capital-backed Guardian Pharmacy Services priced a "synthetic secondary" offering, while Ares led on two separate European mid-market continuation vehicles: one for nursery operator Kids Planet exceeding £400 million and another for a frozen baked goods asset totaling €300 million via MCH. Further transactions included Permira moving to exit its investment in the €20 billion assets under management firm AltamarCAM to Mercer, and Audax and Keystone reportedly seeking exits for their respective HVAC portfolio companies.
Continuation Funds & Secondaries Strategy
The continuation fund market remains active, evidenced by QHP Capital finalizing an $1.1 billion continuation fund for Azurity Pharmaceuticals, a deal spearheaded by Harbour Vest Partners with participation from Pantheon Ventures. This activity contrasts with shifting LP sentiment in direct investing, where co-investing is facing a "Trafalgar moment," though LPs maintain their willingness to allocate directly, according to some observers PE International. Secondaries players distinguishing themselves are those who are methodical in bringing their own assets to market, with disciplined sellers emerging over the past 15 months Secondaries Investor. Furthermore, HighVista Strategies appointed Raudel Yanez to launch its GP-led secondaries strategy focusing specifically on the lower middle market.
Sector-Specific Investments & M&A
Activity spanned healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, with Blackstone-backed healthcare advisor Chartis acquiring the health tech firm Leap AI. In life sciences, B-Flexion Life Sciences portfolio companies Paratek and Radius Health completed a merger supported by a $1.3 billion financing arranged by Sixth Street. Infrastructure saw LS Power agree to purchase approximately 4.4 gigawatts of natural gas-fired generation capacity from Constellation Energy for $5 billion. In the climate tech sphere, BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts backed FarmCarbon to scale agricultural methane reduction initiatives.
Technology & Early-Stage Funding
Venture funding continues to flow into AI and decentralized technology platforms, even as some large investors re-evaluate sector focus. The decentralized social platform Bluesky secured $100 million in Series B funding following a CEO transition, which is being deployed to scale its team and enhance its ATProto framework. Meanwhile, two Palantir veterans launched Edra, a workflow automation startup, securing $30 million backed by Sequoia. In European tech, Index Ventures invested in YC alum Parallel’s $20 million Series A to bring AI agents to hospitals, while Verdane and Bpifrance backed Medadom, the first French teleconsultation provider accredited by the Ministry of Health. Specialists in the sector caution that many AI pilots fail without clear measurement of business outputs Crunchbase News.
Fundraising & Talent Moves
Institutional commitment to emerging markets was demonstrated by the EBRD pledging $40 million toward the Templeton Türkiye private equity fund, which is targeting $300 million in total capital. On the talent front, American Pacific promoted Rahul Mohan to managing director, while HighVista Strategies hired Raudel Yanez to head its new GP-led secondaries strategy. Separately, tax planning remains a focus for GPs, with experts advising on gifting carried interest early to accrue future appreciation outside of an estate for potential tax savings PE International. Despite these internal moves, a survey indicates that one in five UK founders plan to relocate abroad within the next year Sifted.
Middle Market & Niche Sector Activity
Private equity firms continued to deploy capital into specialized verticals, with Sterling acquiring managed IT services firm Cyber Advisors to expand its service offering. In environmental services, Fort Point invested in Boston Green via a recapitalization to fuel growth. ICG committed backing to Italian railway maintenance provider Comcreta to support expansion amid accelerating national rail infrastructure investment. Furthermore, Van Lanschot Kempen initiated a strategic review for its $11.5 billion liquid funds unit to explore strategic options. In entertainment assets, Pophouse Entertainment finalized its purchase of music interests from the estate of Tina Turner, taking a majority ownership position alongside BMG.