Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 13, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Sector Focus

Private equity dealmaking remained active across several specialized sectors, with activity spanning healthcare, software, and industrial services. MKH Capital snapped up Haven Health Management, securing 22 behavioral health facilities slated for expansion across the US and Puerto Rico, reflecting sustained interest in fragmented healthcare service providers. In the software space, STG picked up freight management software firm Carrier Logistics Inc., planning to integrate advanced agentic AI frameworks into the firm’s core architecture to accelerate product innovation. Elsewhere, Bridgepoint-backed Alpha FMC will acquire JPSB Group, a specialist technology consulting firm focused on Sim Corp implementation, while Eurazeo agreed to acquire Netco, an international operator specializing in conveyor system maintenance, from Ardian, indicating continued appetite for essential industrial services infrastructure.

Deal flow also continued in IT services, where Gen Nx360 and AEA Investors led recent transactions, although the sector is also seeing major capital market maneuvers as Blackstone filed for an IPO of a newly acquired data center vehicle, promising investors who buy at least 100 shares an additional 1 percent of their investment amount in common stock upon the listing. On the exit front, OpenGate-backed S&G sold Delaney Hardware to Hillman Solutions Corp., marking a successful divestiture in the hardware components market. Further diversification was evident as MusicBird acquired the catalog of Supertramp bassist Dougie Thomson, securing master royalty income from hits like “Give a Little Bit.”

Firm Strategy Shifts & Talent Moves

Major firms are recalibrating their investment strategies and expanding senior talent pools amid evolving market conditions. Thoma Bravo decided to wind down its dedicated growth equity strategy, electing to run off its existing Growth Fund rather than raising a new vehicle following the departure of the strategy’s two co-heads. Concurrently, institutional investors are making high-profile moves: EQT hired Teia Merring, formerly USS’s senior investment director for private equity, to serve as its global head of strategic partnership solutions in Europe. In personnel additions stateside, Maple Park tapped Grant Mueller as VP for its investment team, where he will oversee deal execution and portfolio management responsibilities. Meanwhile, LPs are reportedly becoming more cautious regarding general partner marketing, as the world's 13th largest PE investor expressed bullishness on venture while other investors remain wary of management hyperbole.

Venture Capital Dynamics & Geographic Trends

The venture capital environment shows signs of regional divergence, though overall Asian funding levels have substantially improved. China is driving a significant rebound, with startup funding in Asia reaching $27.4 billion in Q1 across all stages, a 20% sequential increase and nearly double the level seen in the prior year. While the broader tech ecosystem grapples with the AI transition—as evidenced by Vercel’s CEO signaling IPO readiness due to AI agent-fueled revenue growth—some specialized funds are emerging. Eka Ventures raised £80 million specifically to back startups that are "leaning into regulation," contrasting with broader investor anxiety over AI hype cycles. Furthermore, the retreat of major projects like OpenAI’s Stargate has exposed challenges to UK tech ambitions, even as some London-listed firms like Wise are set to downgrade their exchange listing this quarter.