Private Equity 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 18, 2026, 3:30 PM ET
Dealmaking & Portfolio Activity
Private equity firms demonstrated continued appetite for add-on acquisitions across sectors, with PE-backed Tech24 snapping up Pacific Standard Service, a provider of commercial foodservice equipment repair, expanding its maintenance footprint. In specialty distribution, Truelink-backed SouthernCarlson acquired Greenwald Supply Direct, bolstering its offerings in fasteners and construction supplies, while Stephens Group-backed Astro Pak purchased Clean Sciences to enhance its high purity cleaning services. Elsewhere, Bain Capital invested in climate tech firm Duravent Group, joining existing investor Egeria in backing the sustainability-focused company.
Secondaries & Capital Structuring
The secondary market saw major continuation vehicle activity, as HarbourVest led a substantial $1.1 billion continuation vehicle for Azurity Pharmaceuticals, supporting the existing strategy held by QHP Capital. This activity contrasts with growing concerns in the broader private capital space, where a furore over credit contamination threatens retail ambitions, and some U.S. pension funds are reportedly slashing PE allocations due to liquidity concerns. Buyers in credit secondaries, meanwhile, are prioritizing assets that offer discounts and eliminate the near-term drag of the J-curve effect.
Major Exits & IPO Preparations
Large-cap buyout sponsors are positioning for significant liquidity events, with KKR, Silver Lake, and General Atlantic reportedly eyeing exits as Reliance Jio prepares for a potential $4 billion initial public offering. Simultaneously, in Europe, TDR Capital and I Squared Capital are exploring sale options for Aggreko, including a potential IPO or stake sale valuing the energy services provider near $15 billion. Separately, HIG Capital secured PE Hub’s Small-Cap North America Deal of the Year award for its exit from Koozie, illustrating successful realizations in the smaller end of the market.
Credit & Financing Activity
In specialized financing, Blackstone Credit & Insurance spearheaded a massive $1.3 billion financing package to facilitate the combination of Paratek and Radius, demonstrating strong private credit support for complex corporate restructuring. Furthermore, major financial players are entering data infrastructure, as Apollo Global Management partners with Intercontinental Exchange to develop new data products focused on the private credit market. In growth equity, Idealist, alongside Canada Growth Fund, led a C$50 million investment into sustainable agriculture company Solugen.
Talent Moves & Firm Expansion
Key personnel changes signal shifts in strategy across the industry. Former CVC Managing Director Jonathan Au has joined Revelation Partners, months after departing the European giant where he had been since 2021. In firm growth, Kain Capital appointed Sameer Mathur as a partner, formerly of Chicago Pacific Founders, while Behrman Capital brought on Eric Smith as an operating partner to advise on operational matters across its portfolio. Meanwhile, public pension pools are adjusting mandates; UK’s Border to Coast hired a lead portfolio manager to oversee its expanding private equity, credit, and climate allocations.
Venture Capital & Deeptech Backing
Venture funding continues to support specific technology verticals, including AI personalization, as Sequen secured $16 million in a Series A round to deploy its proprietary ranking technology across consumer businesses. In climate tech, EQT and the World Bank participated in a €30 million funding round for Candela, supporting the 'flying ferry' startup's global expansion plans. Separately, a firm founded by a Stripe alum raised $9 million for Meadow Memorials, an online platform focused on funeral planning.