Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 11, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Mega-Deals and AI Infrastructure Funding

Private equity activity showed a significant skew toward high-growth technology and power infrastructure, highlighted by OpenAI securing over $4bn from a consortium led by TPG that also included Advent, and Brookfield to establish its new Deployment Company. This massive capital raise underscores the sector's focus on scaling generative AI capabilities. Complementing this tech push, Blackstone and Halliburtonpush, Halliburton committed a combined $1bn to VoltaGrid to accelerate the rollout of behind-the-meter power generation solutions essential for data centers and microgrids. In strategic exits and acquisitions, Blackstone is moving to acquire a majority stake in the Greek online marketplace Skroutz from CVC, while Mayfair Equity Partners plans to divest the retail energy business of OVO to EON, including the brand name and operating company.

Sector Consolidation and Platform Building

The professional services and niche technology sectors saw substantial consolidation activity, with platform plays driving value creation. AnaCap initiated its Italian professional services platform, Titan, through the agreement to take a majority stake in Cattaneo Dall’Olio Rho Tax & Legal Group. In the specialized B2B services realm, Five Arrows-backed BioPhorum expanded its footprint by acquiring PharmaX Solutions, a London-based biopharma consultancy. Concurrently, automated retail solutions witnessed pairing, as Dominus-backed Seaga Manufacturing snapped up Three Square Market, a provider of intelligent inventory control systems based in Freeport, Illinois. Furthermore, Providence Equity-backed 365 Retail Markets acquired Michigan-based retail tech firm Cantaloupe, continuing the trend of integrating technology into retail operations.

Mid-Market Exits and New Mandates

Firms were active in realizing value from established mid-market holdings while simultaneously raising fresh capital commitments. LDC finalized the exit of construction data firm BCIS, which provides subscription-based cost and carbon data, selling it to Bowmark Capital. In the infrastructure space, Paceline is set to sell RELAM, a firm specializing in railroad equipment leasing and maintenance, with the transaction anticipated to close by the end of May 2026. On the fundraising front, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) committed $500m to General Atlantic’s global growth investment strategies, signaling a collaborative approach to thematic research and sourcing. Separately, Coller Capital emerged as the sole lead on Verdane’s multi-asset continuation vehicle valued in excess of €600m, which included the Arrive Group asset.

Investment Strategy and Talent Acquisition

Discussions around investment theses focused on niche expertise, particularly within the sports ecosystem and the resilience of core industrial assets. Dynasty Equity’s CEO, Don Cornwell, noted that business models are aligning with the high level of passion surrounding sports, referencing the firm's portfolio holdings in entities like Liverpool FC and Unrivaled Sports. Meanwhile, Apollo is moving to take Emerald Holding private in a $1.5bn transaction that also includes the acquisition of Questex, consolidating live events firms under its umbrella. Talent movement included Calera Capital appointing Michael O'Brien, formerly of Valspring Capital, as its new managing director and head of business development. In the Nordics, Altor is moving to acquire a majority stake in Sertion, a specialist in complex pipework services, alongside launching an offer for the AI-powered sleep tracking application Sleep Cycle.

European Resilience and Specialist Plays

European private equity demonstrated resilience in specific areas, though pockets of stress remain in the broader mid-market, according to internal assessments from major players like Carlyle. The defense and industrial transformation sectors present opportunities, as M&G sees potential for private capital to bolster energy resilience and finance manufacturing conversions across Europe. In the home services segment, Pollen Street plans to acquire a majority stake in a newly formed provider, which integrates Hometree and the home services division of OVO Energy. Furthermore, reports suggest continued interest in deep tech, with ongoing activity concerning SPACs and large funding rounds in European quantum computing startups, despite the recent quantum software firm Algorithmiq raising €18m while relocating its base to Italy.