Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Private Equity Deal Flow & Sector Focus

Private equity dealmaking remains active, though mid-market segments are showing pockets of stress, according to recent industry commentary, even as large firms tout their liquidity strength. Apollo Global Management is expanding its reach into the live events sector, agreeing to take control of both Emerald Holding and Questex for a combined $1.5 billion transaction. Separately, Blackstone is preparing to acquire a majority stake in the Greek online marketplace Skroutz from CVC Capital Partners, demonstrating continued appetite for high-growth digital assets despite looming deal deadlines elsewhere in the market.

In the industrials and infrastructure space, Paceline Equity Partners is marketing its railroad equipment leasing firm, RELAM, with an expected closing timeline set for the end of May 2026, suggesting longer-term exit planning remains intact. Meanwhile, Altor Equity Partners is making a move in Nordic specialized services, launching an offer for Sertion, a firm focused on complex pipework for infrastructure, while also targeting the technology sector by launching an offer for the AI-powered sleep tracking application Sleep Cycle.

Exits and Secondary Transactions

LDC finalized the divestiture of its stake in BCIS, the construction data and cost valuation firm, selling it to Bowmark Capital in a transaction reflecting sustained private capital interest in subscription-based data services for the built environment. In the world of continuation vehicles (CVs), Verdane successfully closed a substantial €635 million multi-asset CV, with Coller Capital emerging as the sole lead and Step Stone co-underwriting the structure, marking the second instance of a PE firm utilizing this mechanism for asset recycling. This activity follows commentary that ultimate deadlines are pressuring dealmaking processes across the board.

Sector Bets: Sports, Home Services, and Tech

Firms continue to place capital into sectors driven by consumer passion and essential services. Dynasty Equity’s Don Cornwell asserted that business models are finally aligning with the high level of passion surrounding sports, pointing to Dynasty’s portfolio investments including Liverpool FC and sports ventures like TMRW Sports. Further consolidation is evident in the home services sector, where Pollen Street Capital is acquiring a majority stake in a newly formed entity that combines Hometree and OVO Energy’s Home Services division.

In European technology, while there are discussions regarding quantum computing funding rounds and the emergence of 'Agentic Law' following the perceived slowdown in pure Legal AI developments, capital deployment remains geographically specific. Quantum software startup Algorithmiq secured €18 million and is relocating its operations to Italy, while robotics dealmaking activity is reportedly concentrated in specific hottest cities across Europe.

Investor Sentiment and European Strategy

Investor intentions show a forward-looking commitment to the asset class, as DBJ Asset Management (DBJAM) confirmed it will be actively pursuing new general partner partnerships starting in 2026, signaling an expansion of its private equity exposure upon the conclusion of its current allocation cycle. Meanwhile, institutional managers see opportunities beyond domestic markets, particularly regarding European resilience and industrial transformation. M&G’s private markets CIO suggested private capital is well-positioned to bolster energy resilience, catalyze the technology industry, and finance the conversion of existing manufacturing facilities across the continent. This sentiment aligns with broader discussions on how UK investment can assist European scaleups to achieve greater scale.

Firm Credentials and Mid-Market Health

Firms are emphasizing their operational strength and balance sheets amid current market conditions. KKR cited that employee ownership contributed to a recent successful exit achieving a 15x multiple, emphasizing internal alignment as a driver of premium valuations. Simultaneously, firms like The Carlyle Group are actively touting their strong liquidity credentials to reassure investors, even as overall stress tests reveal that while the mid-market appears generally resilient, localized weaknesses persist within specific sub-sectors.