Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 3, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Sector Focus

Private equity activity showed continued deployment across specialty sectors, with Advent Partners-backed efex acquiring Priority 1 IT to broaden its technical and healthcare service capabilities, while FlexGen purchased utility energy storage developer Clean Energy Services to create an integrated model for asset reliability. In healthcare transactions, GHO Capital divested specialty pharmaceutical provider VISUfarma to Lupin Limited, a move expected to immediately bolster Lupin’s European specialty franchise. Meanwhile, Court Square took control of cloud communications firm Call Tower from BV Investment, adding UCaa S and CCaa S offerings to its portfolio.

AI remains a key driver in M&A, though large-scale acquisitions are also emerging in adjacent tech areas; Anthropic executed a deal to purchase stealth biotech AI startup Coefficient Bio for $400 million in stock, according to reports. In related technology spending, the week saw significant venture capital deployment, including a substantial $1.75 billion Series D round secured by Austin-based autonomous vessel developer Saronic amid busy dealmaking. Separately, concerns over AI automation risks were articulated by an author in Crunchbase News, warning against using complex global systems to solve simple problems just because the technology exists.

Fundraising and Capital Markets

Large fund closes demonstrate continued appetite for established managers, as KKR successfully closed its North America Fund XIV at $23 billion, marking the largest regional fund for the firm to date. Capital raising strategies are also evolving, with Lead Edge’s seventh flagship fund reportedly tapping the secondaries market to navigate AI-driven shifts in investment focus. In private credit, Ares and Antares arranged a $1 billion private credit financing package for Pritzker-backed PLZ Corp., showcasing strong debt markets supporting portfolio companies. Separately, retailer OVS secured a substantial €300 million financing agreement, approximately $330 million, to strengthen its balance sheet.

Exits and Credit Activity

Portfolio company exits continued as HGGC completed the sale of Grand Fitness Partners to Flynn Group, supporting Flynn Group’s ongoing expansion of its franchise platform. In high-profile credit negotiations, Blackstone is leading a consortium of private credit lenders, including Apollo and KKR, currently in discussions regarding the acquisition terms for Medallia, while Thoma Bravo assesses its options. In Asia, Boyu Capital finalized its joint venture with Starbucks, acquiring a 60% stake to spearhead a significant 20,000-store expansion push across China.

Industry Talent and Education

The industry is also focusing on professional development and succession planning. HarbourVest has partnered with CAIA to expand educational resources focused on private markets expertise for investors. Furthermore, recognition was given to industry leaders, with Permira’s Silvia Oteri and MiddleGround’s Christen Paras named Women in PE by PE Hub and Buyouts, as firms like Carlyle and HIG intensify their focus on the caregiver services market due to its recession resilience and fragmented structure. Succession planning is also on the agenda for some firms, with Earlybird detailing its plan to transition management company control over the next decade.