Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 2, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Exits

Ana Cap finalized the divestiture of its French private bank, Milleis Group, selling it to LCL and Crédit Agricole Assurances, marking a significant exit in the European financial services sector that included the sale of subsidiaries like Milleis Banque and Cholet Dupont Asset Management. Separately, in healthcare consolidation, Archi Med announced plans to take Esperion Therapeutics private in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion, with the deal anticipated to conclude in the third quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Searchlight is preparing to invest in CloserStill Media, an established business-to-business events firm currently held by Providence Equity Partners, indicating continued private equity interest in specialized media platforms.

Sector Focus & Investment Strategy

The integration of artificial intelligence is now viewed by major firms as an "offensive weapon," according to TPG, whose software portfolio demonstrated a 20% year-on-year growth rate despite accelerating AI-driven market disruption. This strategic shift is mirrored by targeted sector activity, as multiple private equity players, including Goldman Sachs, Gryphon Investors, and Olympus, are reportedly targeting eye care assets for platform investments and subsequent market consolidation. In infrastructure financing, Neuberger is acquiring a significant minority stake in Flow Control Group, while the existing majority owner, KKR, retains control, illustrating complex co-investment structures in essential services.

New Entrants & Capital Structure Innovation

A notable addition to the industry roster is the official launch of the new private equity firm, Mako, co-founded by former United Airlines chairman and CEO Oscar Munoz, signaling continued high-profile spin-offs from corporate leadership. In contrast to traditional equity rounds, direct-to-consumer brand Musely secured a substantial $360 million financing package from General Catalyst structured specifically as non-dilutive capital, which the brand intends to deploy aggressively to super-charge customer acquisition efforts. Furthermore, Inflexion has committed to acquiring a minority stake in Marktlink Capital, a firm specializing in providing entrepreneurs access to private equity, venture capital, and private credit funds across North America and Europe.

Venture Capital Trends & Talent Moves

While private equity focuses on established assets, the broader venture ecosystem saw defense technology lead large capital raises this week, topped by a massive $600 million infusion for space security startup True Anomaly, demonstrating heightened governmental technology funding. This contrasts with the early-stage market, where data suggests the San Francisco Bay Area continues to concentrate seed funding dollars, expanding its dominance nationally in 2025 despite broader geographical dispersion among startups. In personnel news, Riverwood bolstered its leadership team by appointing Mac Hofeditz, formerly of Vector Capital Management, as a managing director. Separately, Avenue Sports Fund made a specialized investment into professional soccer, acquiring a stake in The North Carolina Courage, illustrating the diversification of PE capital into sports franchises.