Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 10, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Market Sentiment

Private equity fundraising shows tentative signs of recovery, with nearly half of the funds that closed in the first quarter meeting their targets, marking the highest proportion in at least five years and suggesting an easing of the protracted fundraising slowdown. This improvement comes as average fundraising timelines shrank to 14 months in Q1, the shortest duration observed since 2022, offering an early indication that conditions are stabilizing for general partners. Concurrently, shifts in investor priorities are evident, with limited partners reassessing mandates and potentially favoring diversification into regions like APAC, while internal tensions arise concerning carry structures in continuation funds.

New capital deployment is also being channeled into specific secondary pockets, where venture secondaries are experiencing a rebound partially fueled by excitement surrounding AI-driven technology disruptions, though questions linger about the long-term sustainability of these pricing recoveries. Meanwhile, institutional investors are actively managing existing holdings; JPMorgan Asset Management suggests that 'window dressing' activities, often involving short-term performance boosts from secondaries mark-ups, will drive the rationalization of evergreen fund structures in the near term.

Deal Activity: Buyouts & Strategic Exits

Activity across the buyout space remains varied, featuring both major acquisitions and divestitures. GTCR completed its purchase of Zentiva, a European generics pharmaceutical company, from Advent, signaling continued private equity interest in the healthcare sector. In the infrastructure space, EQT agreed to divest its stake in Nordic Ferry Infrastructure to a consortium including Rederiaktiebolaget Gotland and Interogo Infrastructure. Elsewhere, TPG is evaluating strategic options for its Asia One Healthcare portfolio, potentially leading to a $7.5 billion exit via a sale or initial public offering, while Ares Management is taking REIT Whitestone private in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.7 billion.

Mid-market transactions continue apace with several add-on acquisitions being executed. Gryphon-backed Caylent, an Amazon Web Services partner, absorbed tech firm Pronetx to bolster its capabilities, and Avista finalized the purchase of Bentech Medical from Greyrock and Hermitage Equity Partners. Furthermore, Mutares is building a $320 million automotive platform through a dual carve-out acquisition of two supplier businesses from Magna, and Astorg is eyeing growth in the ingredients sector following a triple add-on involving Solabia.

Sector-Specific Investments & Growth Equity

Sectors poised for technological transformation are attracting significant investment. Ara Partners committed up to $500 million to accelerate the development pipeline of waste management firm Sedron across North America. In the specialized services realm, Charlesbank led an investment in Bridgepointe Technologies, with Carlyle Alp Invest also participating, while Tower Brook-backed Eisner Amper is set to merge with KLB Business Valuations & Forensic Accountants, a deal anticipated to close in May 2026. In specialized industrial carve-outs, Juniper Capital sold Precision Aerospace to Centerbridge-backed Precinmac, a manufacturer serving the aerospace and defense sectors.

The firmament of European venture capital is showing signs of life, with Europe minting the highest number of $1 billion startups in four years, driven in part by the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence rewriting entrepreneurship rules. In parallel, specialized VC funds are closing deals; Collide Capital secured $95 million for its Fund II focused on fintech and future-of-work startups, while the AI tax preparation startup Juno raised $12 million* to automate SMB accounting processes. Demonstrating confidence in established strategies, Court Square Capital Partners closed its Fund V above target at $3.8 billion, and a Blackstone alumnus launched 154 Partners, which closed its debut fund at $400 million to focus on sports investments.**

Infrastructure, Real Assets, and Secondary Markets

Private equity firms are making large-scale commitments in real assets. Blackstone has partnered with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise to launch a $1.6 billion annual aircraft leasing program. In the infrastructure secondaries market, buyers are actively seeking out scarce assets that are difficult to access in primary offerings, as noted by panelists at the Infrastructure Investor Global Summit. Meanwhile, the energy transition space sees Energy Capital Partners reacquiring nuclear waste management company Energy Solutions, marking the second time the firm has purchased the asset.

Exits and IPO Preparations

Public market preparations indicate a readiness to monetize assets, though valuations remain sensitive to market dynamics. Defense technology provider Aevex, backed by Madison Dearborn, is setting its IPO price terms, aiming for a $2.35 billion valuation in a $336 million offering. In other portfolio activity, Onex Partners successfully completed a $1.6 billion multi-asset continuation vehicle, which included stakes in Power School and Sedgwick. In smaller deals, Baymark Partners acquired the fashion brand Katydid, while Havencrest recapitalized Offor Health, and Council Capital snapped up health tech firm Medical Service Quotes.com.