Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 9, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Fundraising & Capital Deployment

Private equity displayed early signs of stabilization in fundraising, with the average time taken for funds to close in the first quarter clocking in at approximately 14 months, the shortest duration recorded since 2022, suggesting improving conditions for managers improving fundraising timelines. This positive trend was further evidenced by nearly half of all PE funds that finalized deals in Q1 meeting their targets, marking the highest proportion observed in at least five years nearly half of funds closed. On the capital deployment front, Court Square Capital Partners successfully secured $3.8 billion for its fifth flagship fund, exceeding its initial target in a record close, while Onex Partners finalized a $1.6 billion multi-asset continuation vehicle encompassing investments in companies like Power School and Sedgwick finalized a $1.6bn vehicle.

Dealmaking Activity: Buyouts & Exits

The deal landscape saw several large strategic moves across sectors, with TPG exploring options for its $7.5 billion Asia One Healthcare portfolio, appointing Malayan Banking and UBS to evaluate a potential sale or initial public offering. In Europe, GTCR concluded its acquisition of Zentiva, a generics pharmaceutical firm, taking the asset fully from Advent, while in the infrastructure space, EQT agreed to divest its stake in Nordic Ferry Infrastructure to a consortium including Lægernes Pension and Interogo Infrastructure EQT agreed to divest. Further demonstrating sector concentration, Ara Partners committed up to $500 million to accelerate the development pipeline and manufacturing expansion for waste management firm Sedron across North America.

Sector-Specific Transactions & Add-Ons

Activity in specialized technology and healthcare sectors remained brisk through strategic acquisitions. Avista agreed to purchase Bentech Medical from sellers Greyrock and Hermitage Equity Partners, while Gryphon-backed Caylent, an Amazon Web Services partner, expanded its footprint by acquiring tech firm Pronetx. In the ingredients space, Astorg continued its bolt-on strategy for Solabia, having already increased the acquired entity’s revenue from €180 million to €240 million via three prior add-ons, as the sector shows resilience Astorg continues its bolt-on strategy. Elsewhere, Charlesbank led an investment into Bridgepointe Technologies, with Carlyle Alp Invest also participating, and Council Capital snapped up health tech firm Medical Service Quotes.com, backed by PMPK Council Capital snapped up.

Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Energy Plays

Private equity continued its push into tangible assets, with Ares Management agreeing to an all-cash deal to take private real estate investment trust Whitestone REIT for $1.7 billion. In aerospace leasing, Blackstone partnered with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to launch a $1.6 billion annual aircraft leasing program. Within the energy and industrial sphere, Mutares is building an automotive platform by signing dual carve-outs from Magna valued at $320 million, while Energy Capital Partners reacquired nuclear waste handler Energy Solutions for the second time. Separately, buyers in infrastructure secondaries are actively seeking scarce opportunities that are difficult to access in primary markets buyers seek scarce opportunities.

Venture Capital, Secondaries, and Regulatory Movements

The venture capital secondary market is showing a pricing recovery, though questions remain about its sustainability, particularly given the rapid pace of AI-driven technological disruption AI disruptions cause uncertainty. While the broader VC world saw Latin American startups raise $1.03 billion across seed and growth stages in Q1, down from Q4 2025 levels Latin American startups raised, specialized funds are still closing, such as Collide Capital’s $95 million Fund II aimed at fintech and future-of-work companies. In the world of defense technology, Madison Dearborn-backed Aevex is preparing its U.S. IPO, targeting a $2.35 billion valuation in the planned $336 million offering, as defense contractors leverage technological advancements Madison Dearborn-backed Aevex. Furthermore, the accounting advisory sector saw a planned merger where TowerBrook-backed EisnerAmper will combine with KLB Business Valuations & Forensic Accountants, an integration expected to finalize in May 2026.