Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Dealmaking and Sector Focus: Tech, IT Services, and Accounting M&A

The private equity sector continued its focus on specialized technology and IT services, with STG acquiring Carrier Logistics, a freight management software firm, intending to integrate advanced agentic AI frameworks into its core architecture. This mirrors broader industry trends, as evidenced by Gen Nx360 and AEA Investors leading recent IT services deals, while Bridgepoint-backed Alpha FMC announced its plan to acquire JPSB, a consulting firm specialized in Sim Corp implementation. On the advisory front, consolidation in the accounting space is accelerating, exemplified by the Tower Brook-backed Eisner Amper merging with KLB Business Valuators, signaling high private equity interest in professional services that provide compliance and valuation expertise.

Venture-backed software companies are demonstrating resilience against generative AI disruption by emphasizing market expertise over pure product features, according to Battery Ventures partner Zak Ewen, who noted that firms with a deep grasp of end-markets are better positioned. This theme of durable tech value contrasts with the general market uncertainty, though some AI-native firms are already signaling public readiness; Vercel’s CEO Guillermo Rauch indicated IPO readiness as AI agents fueled a revenue surge for the decade-old dev tool platform. Meanwhile, the acquisition of intellectual property continues, with MusicBird purchasing the catalog of Supertramp bassist Dougie Thomson, securing master royalty income from hits like “Give a Little Bit.”

Secondaries, Fundraising, and Geographic Shifts

The secondary market saw major transactions, with Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Ardian jointly acquiring a $1 billion portfolio from CIC at a discount, demonstrating continued appetite for portfolio assets offloading at favorable pricing. In fundraising, sustainability remains a key mandate, as Pantheon led the €250 million continuation vehicle for Alder, a Nordics-focused tech investor, moving two assets into an Article 9 vehicle designated for sustainable investments. In personnel moves, EQT appointed Teia Merring, formerly the senior investment director for private equity at the UK’s Universities Superannuation Scheme, as its global head of strategic partnership solutions, reflecting a focus on LP relations.

Asia continues to draw significant capital, with China leading startup funding across the region to its highest level in over three years, deploying $27.4 billion in Q1, a nearly 20% increase from the prior quarter. European activity shows a specialized focus, with France positioning itself to lead Europe’s bioeconomy push, while in Central Europe, tech leaders in Hungary expressed "cautious optimism" regarding the political environment following the recent election of Viktor Orbán.

New Vehicle Filings and Strategic Exits

The trend toward infrastructure specialization is clear, as Blackstone filed for an IPO of its new data center acquisition vehicle, offering potential IPO investors receiving an additional 1 percent of their investment amount in common stock if they purchase at least 100 shares. In strategic exits, OpenGate-backed S&G sold Delaney Hardware to Hillman Solutions Corp., marking a clean divestiture from the portfolio. Health management saw consolidation as MKH Capital snapped up Haven Health Management, acquiring 22 behavioral health facilities for planned expansion across the US and Puerto Rico.

Investment Activity and Portfolio Growth

Private equity firms are actively deploying capital across diverse sectors, including a backing for travel services, where Staple Investments supported Corporate Travel Services while allowing the existing leadership team to remain in place. In the food sector, Aksìa-backed Fornaio del Casale executed three add-on acquisitions to expand its footprint in the production and commercialization of bakery products in Italy. Separately, Maple Park hired Grant Mueller as VP for its investment team to manage deal execution and portfolio oversight functions. Venture capital activity also saw a non-traditional play, as Kelluu raised €15 million to develop autonomous airships aimed at securing European airspace, while one of the world’s largest PE investors remains bullish on venture investments despite general LPs expressing wariness over general partner hyperbole.