Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: September 16, 2026, 2:01 PM ET

Partners Capital Taps Fox Bensimon for Co-Investments

Partners Capital has named Jennifer Fox Bensimon as head of co-investments, elevating a veteran who joined the firm's Co-Investment team in September 2024. The appointment signals the multi-family office's intent to scale its direct-deal program amid a crowded co-investment market.

EIV Capital Adds Energy Partner

EIV Capital has hired Kristin Kelly as a partner, bolstering its upstream strategy. Kelly arrives after serving as head of traditional energy investments, bringing sector expertise as the firm deepens its oil and gas footprint.

Strategic Value Partners Installs Gibson as President

Strategic Value Partners has appointed Goldman Sachs veteran Matt Gibson as president. Gibson joins the $22 billion alternative investment firm after more than 25 years at the Wall Street bank, a notable senior hire for the distressed-focused manager.

Tailwater, EMG Offload Powder River Midstream for $585M

Tailwater Capital and EMG have sold Powder River midstream assets to Plains for $585m. The package includes roughly 600 miles of crude oil gathering and transmission pipelines, extending consolidation across the basin's midstream infrastructure.

Brookfield Secures $2.9BN Reliance Worldwide Take-Private

Brookfield has clinched its $2.9bn take-private of Reliance Worldwide after a fourth bid, acquiring the plumbing products maker. The deal ranks among the larger industrials buyouts of the year and underscores renewed appetite for take-privates.

EIV, Main Capital and Vitruvian Drive Software Deals

EQT has agreed to sell cybersecurity firm Ontinue to Quorum Cyber, offloading an AI-powered managed extended detection and response provider. Separately, Main Capital Partners has agreed to acquire higher education software firm Watermark, which serves approximately 1,500 public and private institutions from its Austin base. Vitruvian Partners has acquired a majority stake in Smartling from Battery Ventures, taking control of a Language AI platform used by more than 1,000 global brands.

Niobrara Builds Managed IT Platform

Niobrara Capital has acquired Canadian managed IT services platform MSP Corp, a founder-led provider established in 1993. The deal headlines a broader roundup that also examines HR software transactions from private equity firms including Thoma Bravo.

Bendon Expands With Hinkler Add-On

Brightstar-backed Bendon has acquired Hinkler's North American business in an add-on deal. Hinkler's North American arm designs and distributes children's coloring, activity and craft products, widening Bendon's consumer reach.

MLB Draws Investor Interest Despite Lockout Threat

Major League Baseball continues to attract significant investor interest even as a potential lockout looms, welcoming new backers including Apollo and Harbinger alongside an ownership group. The enthusiasm reflects durable demand for sports franchise stakes despite labor uncertainty.

VC Bears May Be Missing the Upside

A Side Letter column argues that bears on venture capital could be missing out as secondaries firms build manager relationships, with Goldman Sachs among those raising questions. The piece pushes back on prevailing pessimism across the asset class.

Software IPOs Face a Hard Year

U.S. venture-backed technology companies have secured roughly $90 billion in domestic listings, yet software offerings remain conspicuously absent as SpaceX and Cerebras dominate the 2026 tech market. The drought complicates exit paths for late-stage software investors.

Startup Battlefield 200 Judges Revealed

Tech Crunch has unveiled the next wave of venture capitalists judging the Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt 2026, spotlighting five top-tier investors. Meanwhile, organizers warn there are three days left to book an exhibit table, with the deadline set for September 18.

Sifted on Interview Attire

For candidates navigating hiring processes, Sifted has published a guide to tech interview dress codes, laying out essential dos and don'ts. The advice lands as competition for roles at startups and scale-ups remains intense.