Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: March 23, 2026, 9:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Exits

Activity across the private equity sector saw several strategic divestitures and bolt-on acquisitions completed in recent days, alongside new platform investments. Sovereign finalized the sale of its education technology asset, Knovia, to Eureka Education, a transaction that followed Knovia's revenue more than quadrupling under Sovereign’s stewardship, driven by 15 percent per annum organic growth and two key acquisitions. In another exit, Olympus Partners is preparing to divest the retina business segment of its portfolio company, Eye South, for a reported $1.1 billion, underscoring active portfolio management in the North American healthcare services space. Conversely, deal flow also included consolidation plays: Bridgepoint-backed PEI Group expanded its data capabilities by acquiring Scientific Infra & Private Assets, a benchmark provider for infrastructure and PE markets, while Aquiline-backed Relation snapped up Chinook Insurance Group, led by CEO Christopher Trainer.

The M&A trend continued with platform expansion via software specialists. Gryphon-backed Rootstock successfully integrated Ascent Solutions, a provider of cloud ERP and operational applications built on the Salesforce platform, enhancing its enterprise software offering. Simultaneously, Diversis finalized the acquisition of fintech firm LTi, with co-founders Randy Haug and Russ Hallberg retaining minority stakes and ongoing operational roles. In the UK, One Equity executed a take-private transaction for Kitwave, a wholesale distributor serving foodservice and retail customers with food and consumables. Elsewhere, AEA Elevate deployed capital into technology provider Trinamix, which focuses on serving enterprise and mid-market organizations.

Sector Deployment & Capital Raises

Firms are actively allocating capital across specialized sectors, including infrastructure and environmental services. Actis closed on its purchase of Singaporean environmental management business 800 Super, which handles waste management, public cleaning, and resource recovery services for both public and private clients. In the energy transition space, Ares Management committed a minimum of €1 billion toward Eni's subsidiary, Plenitude, as part of a broader €1.5 billion capital increase that valued the firm at €13.1 billion. Furthermore, the consumer sector saw major corporate activity as Danone agreed to acquire UK-based nutrition brand Huel, a move strengthening Danone’s footprint in the growing health and protein markets.

Talent Moves & Industry Structure

The private equity industry saw several high-level personnel appointments and new firm launches, signaling continued expansion in senior leadership ranks. GTCR appointed Donnie Phillips as managing director and chief administrative officer, positioning him within the firm's Chicago headquarters. In a move reflecting deep industry experience, ECI named David Danon as a new partner, bringing nearly two decades of experience from the private equity team at Bain Capital. Concurrently, Freshstream promoted Tom Carroll and Gilles Gradassi to partner roles, recognizing their contributions to the firm's strategy across the UK, France, Belgium, Ireland, and The Netherlands. Outside traditional firms, former NFL player Terrence Murphy launched Synergy Sports Capital after his playing career was cut short by injury 20 years ago.

Emerging Growth & AI Investment

The push toward artificial intelligence and deep technology is attracting unique investment structures, including offers designed to secure necessary private equity backing. OpenAI is reportedly offering potential joint venture partners a guaranteed minimum return of 17.5 percent to attract investment for its expansion efforts. In the venture capital sphere, Europe saw substantial fund closures, with Air Street Capital finalizing a $232 million solo GP fund, marking it as the largest of its kind in Europe. Meanwhile, French-Italian venture capital firm 360 Capital successfully raised €85 million for a deeptech fund, which secured backing from a European defense prime contractor. Startups are also grappling with operational considerations, as many often overlook or fail to properly document valuable tax credits due to inadequate internal processes.