Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Mega-Deals and AI Infrastructure Funding

The artificial intelligence sector continues to attract massive capital injections, with OpenAI securing over $4bn from a private equity consortium led by TPG to establish an "OpenAI Deployment Company," involving co-lead founding partners like Advent, and Brookfield. This significant funding round contrasts with traditional infrastructure investment, where Blackstone and Halliburton committed a combined $1bn to VoltaGrid to rapidly deploy behind-the-meter power generation for data centers and industrial sites. Separately, Blackstone is moving to acquire a majority stake in the Greek online marketplace Skroutz from CVC, while deadlines loom over various dealmaking processes across the continent.

Mid-Market Exits and Platform Builds

Activity in the European mid-market saw several strategic sales and the initiation of new platforms. LDC finalized its exit from the construction data firm BCIS, selling the subscription-based cost and valuation data provider to Bowmark Capital. In the energy transition space, Mayfair Equity Partners is divesting the retail energy business of OVO Energy, including customers and the brand name, to EON. Meanwhile, platform creation remains active: AnaCap initiated its Italian professional services platform, Titan, through the acquisition of a majority stake in Cattaneo Dall’Olio Rho Tax & Legal Group. Further consolidation occurred in home services, where Pollen Street moved to acquire a majority stake in a new provider combining Hometree and the home services division of OVO Energy.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Secondary Markets

Private equity firms are deepening their focus across specialist sectors, from life sciences consulting to automated retail. Five Arrows-backed BioPhorum, a biopharma consultancy based in London, acquired PharmaX Solutions to expand its advisory footprint. In automated retail technology, Dominus-backed Seaga Manufacturing snapped up Three Square Market, a provider of intelligent inventory control solutions based in Illinois, while Providence Equity-backed 365 Retail Markets purchased Michigan-based retail tech firm Cantaloupe. On the secondary front, Verdane closed a major €635M multi-asset continuation vehicle, with Coller emerging as the sole lead on the transaction, which also included co-underwriting support from Step Stone, marking the second time a PE firm has moved its exposure to the Arrive Group asset into a CV.

Investment Mandates and Talent Mobility

Capital raising and personnel appointments signal continued pipeline development. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) committed $500M to General Atlantic’s global growth investment strategies, establishing a collaboration on thematic research to bolster sourcing conviction. In leadership moves, Calera Capital appointed Michael O’Brien, formerly of Valspring Capital, as its new managing director and head of business development. DBJ Asset Management has signaled active pursuit of new General Partner partnerships and plans to expand its overall private equity exposure starting in 2026.

European Niche Focus and Sports Investing

European dealmaking shows specific interest in industrial services, defense, and sports assets. Altor is moving to acquire a majority stake in Sertion, a Nordic specialist in complex pipework services for infrastructure clients, while simultaneously launching an offer for the AI-powered sleep tracking application Sleep Cycle. Elsewhere, M&G sees opportunities within Europe’s defense sector, noting that private capital can help finance manufacturing conversions and bolster energy resilience. Dynasty Equity CEO Don Cornwell commented that business models are finally aligning with the high level of passion surrounding sports, noting his firm’s portfolio includes assets like Unrivaled Sports and Liverpool FC, while also advising dealmakers never to skip an annual general meeting.