Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 8, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Exits: Sector Shifts and Returns

Siris Capital Group is poised to realize a threefold return on its investment in Equiniti, with the pending sale of the portfolio company suggesting strong investor appetite for digitized financial services, according to sources familiar with the matter. Co-founder Frank Baker noted the firm's thesis extended beyond traditional finance, anticipating demand for tokenized public equity securities mirroring the interest in tokenized US dollars. Elsewhere, Amulet Capital is expanding its healthcare footprint by acquiring TFP Fertility Group from Benefit Street Partners, integrating the network of 10 UK and Polish clinics into its portfolio. Separately, Carlyle and Diversified Energy are jointly executing a $1.2bn purchase of Andarko Basin oil assets from Camino, securing over 100 undeveloped drilling locations in Oklahoma.

Healthcare & Specialized Investments

Private equity interest is heavily concentrating on the telehealth sector, driven by sustained remote care demand, with firms including Goldman Sachs, Avesi Partners, Grovecourt Capital, and QC Capital participating in five recent transactions. In medical technology, a firm backed by Silversmith Capital successfully acquired health tech firm Avarion, a provider of managed healthcare IT services based in Valencia, California. Meanwhile, Brightstar invested in Simon Eye Holdings, ensuring the current CEO, Edward DiMartino, retains a meaningful ownership stake alongside the management team. The focus on specialized services also extends to fertility care, as seen in Amulet Capital's acquisition.

Valuations, Defense, & Infrastructure Plays

Valuation challenges are emerging in specific sectors, notably defense, where the "war effect" is reportedly complicating deal pricing, according to Houlihan Lokey. This pricing pressure was evident as EQT's third formal offer for the assurance and inspection firm Intertek was ultimately rejected. The defense technology space across Europe is seeing increased attention, mapping over 70 companies, with missile startups being dubbed "the new wave" of investment opportunities. In energy infrastructure, SVP finalized the acquisition of the New Frontera Holdings power generation facility, a move following the firm’s initial investment via a first lien term loan during the company’s 2021 restructuring.

Sector-Specific PE Activity and Corporate Shifts

FH Capital is moving to secure a majority stake in Jinko Solar’s United States subsidiary, although Jinko Solar will retain a minority interest in the operation. In the services sector, PE-backed Pye-Barker continued its expansion strategy by scooping up AAA Fire Extinguisher Co, adding the Georgia-based fire protection provider to its platform. Professional services firm Middle Ground announced an internal promotion, elevating Alexander van der Have to partner, recognizing his work in establishing the firm’s European presence. Concurrently, the broader technology investment environment shows mixed signals; Fidelity has reportedly quietly shuttered its venture capital arm, while women-led startup fund Arāya Sie Fund achieved a £7.5m first close amidst what some observers term a tech "bro renaissance".

Market Trends: AI, Sales Tech, and Private Markets Complexity

Globally, companies operating in the sales, marketing, and CRM categories have successfully attracted approximately $2.7bn in funding from seed through growth stages in 2026 so far, indicating an aggressive AI makeover in these functions. Meanwhile, in Europe, there is recognition that current AI tools are not sufficiently designed for the trades sector, presenting a distinct investment opportunity. Within private markets generally, Apollo CEO Marc Rowan’s recent commentary signals a difficult valuation environment for "semi-liquids," reflecting complexity across several high-interest private trends. Separately, promotional activity for industry events continues, with Tech Crunch Disrupt 2026 offering a final 50% discount on a second pass for attendees registering today.