Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: March 24, 2026, 9:30 AM ET

Dealmaking Activity & Sector Focus

Private equity firms maintained an active pace across multiple sectors, with GTCR-backed Ascent Sports Group expanding its media footprint by acquiring sports technology firm Live Barn, established only recently in January 2026. In contrast, Generate Capital executed a divestiture within the food supply chain, selling greenhouse operator Equinox Growers to Taylor Farms, an action supporting regional food infrastructure stability. Meanwhile, specialized investment continued in niche areas, as Southfield invested in recruitment firm Metric Search, which services the medtech life sciences, engineering, and data center verticals, while TSCP committed capital to govtech firm Karpel, whose client roster includes prosecutor and public defender offices nationwide.

Large-Scale Disposals & Portfolio Management

Major asset managers are actively refining portfolios through strategic sales and partial monetization efforts. Blackstone is moving to crystallize value from its recent €700 million Paris acquisition by tapping Knight Frank to market a selection of Parisian apartments, aiming for a €100 million disposal. Separately, GI Partners is testing the market for American Residential Services, exploring a potential sale that could value the business at approximately $3.5 billion. In a move signaling potential exit considerations, Turnspire is circulating USG Water Solutions to the broader private equity universe, seeking first-round bids for the municipal water service provider in mid-April, according to sources.

Infrastructure & Energy Transactions

Infrastructure investment remains a strong focus, evidenced by Hull Street’s agreement to purchase two power generation facilities from Rockland, specifically the natural gas Lee County Generating Station in Illinois and the dual-fuel Tait Electric Generating Station in Ohio. Furthermore, interest in Gulf energy assets remains high, with private equity and infrastructure funds reportedly targeting a significant Kuwait pipeline deal valued around $7 billion. In Southeast Asia, Actis completed a major deployment, acquiring a 90% stake in Singapore-based environmental management firm 800 Super, bringing Actis’s regional deployment total to $1.7 billion.

European PE Bidding Wars & Exits

High-value maneuvers are underway in Europe, notably in the automotive supply sector, where Apollo Global Management and Bain Capital are competing in the bidding race for Continental’s Conti Tech industrial unit, with the potential transaction valued near €4 billion. In the services sector, Altor has agreed to a deal for electrical installation provider Eltera, finalizing the purchase from Valedo, aligning with broader activity in the sector confirmed by Altor's separate agreement to buy the provider. Concurrently, reports suggest Advent and Cinven are exploring a massive €25 billion exit opportunity for TK Elevator, as Kone enters advanced acquisition discussions for the PE-owned entity.

Technology & Specialized Investment Themes

Investment remains concentrated in technology, with growth equity firm Lead Edge Capital successfully closing its seventh fund at $3.5 billion, primarily targeting software deals. In the defense and government technology space, Blue Fire Equity’s Farrah Holder discussed the firm’s focus, following its initial platform investment, the acquisition of Jovian Concepts in March. Meanwhile, in the specialized secondaries market, Mercer’s acquisition of a rival entity has integrated crucial capabilities into Altamar CAM, addressing the heightened need for liquidity, a sentiment reflected in the University of California’s decision to shop a major $3 billion LP portfolio in the secondary market.

Talent, Returns, and Operational Strategy

Market dynamics are pressuring portfolio companies and driving distinct strategies among sponsors. Bain & Co. reports that the overhang in Asia-Pacific is persistent, citing an 18% rise in the number of portfolio companies held for over five years in 2025. This retention issue contrasts with the mandate of independent sponsors, who typically seek higher returns, often exceeding 3x, driven by greater deal selectivity and lower valuation multiples. Furthermore, talent management is an active concern, as European data indicates a persistent talent gap, while O2 has appointed Rob Hays as its new Investor Relations head, formerly of Clean Bridge Securities, to manage external communications.

Fintech and AI Developments

While overall U.S. startup funding slowed sharply in March due primarily to fewer massive AI megarounds, activity in Europe’s technology scene remains vibrant, with several UK and Irish fintechs reporting record revenue growth. Revolut, for instance, achieved record profits as it prepares for further expansion. In the deep tech space, an Oxford spinout recently secured funding from Amadeus Capital and OSE to address long-term memory challenges in robotics, while Gimlet Labs raised an $80 million Series A for its technology that efficiently runs AI inference across diverse chip architectures, including NVIDIA and AMD.