Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Fundraising & Secondaries Activity

Partners Group finalized its latest private equity secondaries program securing over $9 billion in total commitments, demonstrating sustained institutional appetite for the asset class despite market headwinds. This activity follows a busy week for large transactions, including the insurer MetLife working with Evercore to shop a substantial $1.8 billion portfolio under the internal designation Project Trident. Furthermore, the financial services specialist Pollen Street is actively building out a GP-led strategy focusing explicitly on capturing value within the European mid-market, hiring talent previously at Brookfield to spearhead the effort.

Dealmaking & Sector Focus

In corporate carve-outs, Carlyle successfully acquired KFC Korea from Orchestra Private Equity, marking a full exit for the latter after completing a three-year operational turnaround. Meanwhile, capital continues to flow into specialized debt and real estate platforms, evidenced by Ares committing $300 million to bolster Clearwater’s C-PACE real estate credit vehicle. These targeted investments contrast with broader venture activity where transportation and biotech dominated large capital raises, such as the $650 million financing secured by electric truck maker Slate Auto .

Portfolio Exits and IPO Plans

Investor appetite for battery technology and Asian listings remains high, as GIC-backed electric vehicle battery supplier Envision AESC is reportedly exploring a Hong Kong initial public offering that could yield as much as $2 billion for its backers. This potential listing underscores a willingness among major backers like GIC to realize value through public markets in high-growth industrial technology sectors.