Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Dealmaking & Portfolio Activity

Activity across the private equity ecosystem showed a mix of exits, add-ons, and new platform investments spanning security, waste management, and consumer services. Platinum Equity-backed Cook & Boardman expanded its integrated access and security offering by acquiring systems integrator Assurance Media, while in the industrial sector, Windjammer acquired manufacturer PrecisionX. Demonstrating successful value creation, Court Square divested Kodiak Building Products to QXO for a reported $2.25 billion. Conversely, Concentric and Summer Street exited their investment in solid waste and recycling firm Frontier Waste Solutions, reflecting ongoing portfolio churn in the environmental services space.

In strategic divestitures, Starwood Capital Group successfully sold the Radisson Blu Leicester Square hotel in a prime London transaction to a private family office, while AURELIUS completed its exit from LSG Asia-Pacific following an operational turnaround that substantially expanded margins, selling the unit to a Japanese consortium. Further consolidating the industrial base, Mutares finalized the sale of Kalzip to Tremco, having recently completed the carve-out of Hamberger Industriewerke’s flooring business. Meanwhile, the legal services sector saw activity as Monument-backed EarthWay Products merged with Border Concepts, and Cordillera Investment Partners took a minority stake in deal adviser Northridge Law, which specializes in sports transactions.

New capital deployment targeted specialized technology and consumer niches. Stride Consumer backed the beauty services brand Peach, which was founded in 2019 by Dr. Carolyn Treasure and Eric Zhang, signaling interest in experiential consumer platforms. In the technology sphere, Eir Partners invested in health tech firm Long Tail to fuel product innovation and data network expansion, while high-growth aerospace and defense also drew attention, with Godspeed backing Galt Aerospace to support U.S. armed forces operations. Furthermore, HIG Capital scooped up aviation security services firm GEG from seller Securitas AB, while Stella Point focused on fintech by investing in TRX Services.

Credit, Fundraising, and Capital Structure

Firms continued to amass significant capital, particularly in credit strategies, even as regulatory scrutiny intensified over the growing private credit market. Ares Management secured over $9.8 billion for its flagship Opportunistic Credit strategy, capitalizing on demand for flexible capital solutions in volatile environments. This activity occurs while major players like Blackstone and Ares engage with U.S. lawmakers regarding the $1.8 trillion private credit market. On the GP stakes side, L Squared finalized a continuation fund for manufacturer BTX Precision, led by Harbour Vest Partners, and ACP closed a $405 million continuation fund for legal tech firm Proceed, which recently completed twelve add-on acquisitions following its rebranding.

Fundraising momentum remains strong globally, albeit segmented by geography and strategy. BC Partners achieved a first close of $2.5 billion for its newest flagship fund amid shifts in the European investment focus. In Asia, GL Capital held a $385 million first close for its latest China Opportunities Fund V, aiming for an $800 million target focused mainly on buyouts. Simultaneously, institutional demand for private exposure persists, exemplified by the Westfield Retirement Board issuing an RFP for private equity investment managers, while the UK pension sector is backing a $200 million fund aimed at supercharging domestic startups.

Firm Strategy, Talent, and ESG Shifts

Firms are actively reshaping leadership and scaling platforms to meet evolving LP demands and market opportunities. Partners Group appointed Pete Zippelius as Co-Head of its Private Equity Health & Life vertical, bringing in a veteran from Leonard Green to help manage its $13.2 billion healthcare strategy. Elsewhere, CVC DIF tapped Enrico Del Prete to serve as Partner and Co-Head of its Value-Add strategy, intended to scale the firm’s $25 billion platform. In talent moves, Brighstar secured Eric Epstein as partner and co-chair, effective May 2026, and Mérieux Equity Partners promoted Quentin de Labarre to partner across its various teams.

The influence of private wealth channels is forcing operating model adjustments, as many firms scale wealth efforts without fully mapping capital sources. LPs, meanwhile, are grappling with shifting dynamics, facing liquidity pressures and reassessing approaches due to the rise of evergreen capital. In Europe, competition is heating up for managing the EU’s potential €5 billion Scaleup Fund, with EQT and Atomico vying for the mandate, while the ultimate manager decision remains imminent. Recognition for leadership continues, with numerous industry figures, including CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost and Bain Capital’s Jennifer Davis, being named to industry accolades.

Venture Capital & Technology Focus

Venture investment saw record activity driven by artificial intelligence spending, although valuations at the seed stage are becoming elevated. The first quarter of 2026 saw nearly $297 billion poured into startups, an unprecedented quarterly high, primarily funding AI compute and frontier lab development. This AI focus is fueling high expectations, as many recent seed-stage startups, including members of the Y Combinator cohort, are commanding valuations near $40 million. Reflecting this technological push, AI chip developer Cognichip raised $60 million to develop technology intended to slash chip development costs by over 75% and halve timelines. Furthermore, Toyota’s growth-stage venture arm, Woven Capital, appointed new CIO and COO leaders to focus on mobility, cybersecurity, and autonomous driving investments.