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Last updated: July 27, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

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Private Equity

Last updated: July 27, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking Activity Intensifies

Private equity firms have been active across various sectors, with several significant transactions announced. Arlington Capital has successfully exited its investment in medical equipment company Riverpoint, selling it to Novanta for $1.45 billion. This healthcare deal highlights a stable transaction environment, according to Arlington managing partner Matt Altman. In the industrial sector, Wynnchurch Capital is set to take Luxfer, an industrial company, private through a $17.37 per share offer. Similarly, ECP KKR have agreed to acquire DCC Energy, a multi-energy sales and distribution business, for $7.7 billion, pending shareholder and court approval. Cinven La are jointly acquiring MGA Optio, which underwrites and manages specialty risk across 15 countries. Meanwhile, Bridgepoint is acquiring a majority stake in Lansweeper, a technology asset intelligence platform, and Ridgeview has made a £545 million take-private offer for automotive software company Pinewood. In aerospace is investing in aviation services firm RH Aero Systems, with existing shareholders retaining significant stakes. Trans Digm is also looking to acquire Prince & Izant, a manufacturer of brazing alloys and specialty metal components, for over $1 billion. Furthermore, MidEuropa plans to acquire a construction software platform in Czechia, comprising ÚRS, First information systems, and Callida, which is being divested by DEK Group.

Venture Capital and Funding Rounds

Venture capital activity shows a strong focus on AI and technology infrastructure. Partners Atomico are reportedly in talks to lead a funding round for The Exploration Company at a valuation of $2 billion. In the quantum computing space is targeting a €500 million funding round at a unicorn valuation. European early-stage tech company ETN has raised $1.6 million, with a focus on becoming a significant player in the European market, underscoring the seriousness of their expansion plans. Similarly, UK pension providers are in discussions to establish a £1 billion Scale-Up Fund, indicating a growing appetite for funding growth-stage companies. Schneider Electric's venture arm, SE Ventures, is actively backing startups developing AI-enabling technologies, seeing this as a catalyst for a new industrial investment cycle. In the media and data intelligence space, Bridgepoint's acquisition of Lansweeper, which utilizes AI for technology asset intelligence, reflects the growing importance of data platforms.

Market Trends and Investor Sentiment

Secondaries investors showed a preference for high-conviction deals in the first half of the year, with AI disruption influencing both LP-led and GP-led markets, according to Gerald Cooper of Campbell Lutyens. The push by private equity firms to raise capital from the insurance segment is also noteworthy, with Morgan Stanley IM appointing a new Asia insurance solutions lead, Mark Wang, formerly of HSBC Life. This move signals a broader trend of GPs seeking diverse capital sources. Discussions around the "democratisation" of private equity highlight potential cost challenges for General Partners (GPs) seeking new Limited Partner (LP) capital. Blackstone has reportedly raised $14 billion for its latest secondaries fund, indicating strong investor demand in this area. Amidst broader industry shifts, companies like Nothing are reportedly cutting around 100 jobs as part of a cost-cutting initiative. The ongoing AI race is increasingly being fought over trust, suggesting a shift in focus towards ethical and secure AI development.

Sector Investment

Last updated: July 27, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Infrastructure Investment Boost

Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund to its infrastructure portfolio for fiscal year 2025, aiming to increase domestic holdings which currently represent only 4% of its total.