Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 23, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Deal Flow & Exits

Dealmaking activity saw several strategic divestitures and acquisitions across healthcare and distribution sectors. Olympus Partners is preparing to divest the retina business of its US-based eye-care platform, Eye South, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion, signaling continued appetite for specialized medical services. In the UK, One Equity finalized a take-private acquisition of Kitwave, a wholesale food and consumables distributor, demonstrating private equity's interest in essential UK supply chain infrastructure. Elsewhere, defensive sector consolidation continued as the Aquiline-backed entity, Relation, completed the purchase of Chinook Insurance Group, which operates under CEO Christopher Trainer. Conversely, exit challenges are reportedly leading to longer sellside preparations and an increase in partial sales, according to a recent analysis by West Monroe.

Sector-Specific Transactions & Investments

Activity extended into environmental services and defense contracting, alongside corporate takeovers by strategic buyers. Actis has acquired Singaporean environmental management firm 800 Super, which provides comprehensive waste management, public cleaning, and recycling services to both public and private clients. In a notable defense-related carve-out, Advent-backed Cobham Ultra agreed to sell its subsidiary, Ultra Cyber, to Airbus Defence and Space. Furthermore, in the consumer space, Danone is expanding its health portfolio by agreeing to acquire the UK-based nutrition brand Huel, which has garnered support from celebrities. Meanwhile, Bridgepoint-backed PEI Group expanded its data assets by acquiring Scientific Infra & Private Assets, a global provider of indices and benchmarks for private infrastructure and equity markets.

Firm Personnel Changes & New Ventures

Major private equity firms announced key leadership appointments and new fund launches, signaling internal restructuring and strategic expansion. GTCR appointed Donnie Phillips to the dual role of managing director and chief administrative officer, based out of their Chicago headquarters. Similarly, ECI strengthened its partnership team by welcoming David Danon, who brings nearly two decades of experience from the private equity group at Bain Capital. In promotions, Freshstream elevated Tom Carroll and Gilles Gradassi to partner, recognizing their central roles in steering the firm’s strategy across core markets including France, Ireland, and the Benelux region. Separately, former NFL player Terrence Murphy launched Synergy Sports Capital after an injury cut short his playing career, marking his entry into the investment space with an initial deal already closed.

Venture Capital and Technology Focus

While traditional PE focused on buyouts, the venture capital segment saw fresh capital deployment targeting deep technology and specialized funds. European VC firm 360 Capital successfully raised €85 million for a new deeptech fund, which secured backing from a major European defense prime contractor. In the UK, Air Street Capital closed a $232 million solo general partner fund, marking it as one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Startups navigating growth often overlook accessible capital, as many businesses fail to establish the necessary documentation processes to claim valuable tax credits throughout the year, according to author Harrison Garba. In specialized technology, the focus remains on optimizing human capabilities, as demonstrated by WONE's AI performance coach designed for human potential rather than mere efficiency.