Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Mega-Deals and AI Infrastructure Funding

The artificial intelligence boom continues to attract massive private capital infusions, evidenced by OpenAI securing over $4bn from a consortium led by TPG, with Advent, Bain Capital, and Brookfield acting as co-lead founding partners to launch the OpenAI Deployment Company. Complementing this, Blackstone and Halliburton are jointly committing a $1bn capital injection to Volta Grid specifically to accelerate the deployment of behind-the-meter power generation solutions essential for data centers and microgrids, acknowledging the escalating energy demands of advanced computing. This trend toward financing digital infrastructure extends to major platforms, as Blackstone is reportedly acquiring a majority stake in Skroutz from CVC in Greece, while Verdane finalized a €635M multi-asset continuation vehicle, with Coller emerging as the sole lead on a similar €600M-plus vehicle that included Step Stone.

European Dealmaking and Sector Consolidation

European activity shows a mix of strategic exits and platform builds across diverse sectors. Mayfair Equity Partners is preparing to divest the OVO retail energy business to EON, a transaction encompassing the operating company, retail customer base, and the brand name. Simultaneously, sector consolidation is active in specialized consulting, where Five Arrows-backed BioPhorum successfully scooped up Pharma X Solutions, a London-based biopharma consultant. In enterprise software and services, Ana Cap is establishing a new Italian professional services platform named Titan, which has already agreed to purchase a majority stake in Cattaneo Dall’Olio Rho Tax & Legal Group. Further acquisitions in the retail technology space include Dominus-backed Seaga Manufacturing snapping up Three Square Market, and Providence Equity-backed 365 Retail Markets acquiring Cantaloupe.

Talent Migration and Growth Equity Commitments

European technology hubs, particularly those surrounding AI research, are intensely competitive for specialized talent, with hot AI startups in Europe poised to poach more engineers from Big Tech amid high market valuations. Attention is also focused on the next generation of founders emerging from academic institutions, such as the 12 ETH Zurich spinouts preparing for Series A fundraising. On the capital deployment front, General Atlantic announced a $500M commitment from QIA toward its global growth investment strategies, establishing a collaboration for thematic research to bolster investment conviction. Furthermore, institutional investors like DBJ Asset Management are signaling intentions to actively pursue new GP partnerships as they plan to expand overall private equity exposure beginning in 2026.

Mid-Market Exits and Sector Specialization

The mid-market appears relatively resilient, although pockets of stress persist, according to recent stress tests. Exits include LDC selling construction data firm BCIS to Bowmark Capital, which provides critical cost and carbon data to the built environment. In the services sector, Paceline plans to sell railroad equipment leasing firm RELAM, with the transaction anticipated to conclude near the end of May 2026. Nordic specialists are also seeing activity, as Altor will acquire a majority stake in Sertion, a company focused on complex pipework services for industrial and infrastructure clients, while Altor has separately launched an offer for the AI-powered sleep tracking application Sleep Cycle. Meanwhile, M&G’s private markets CIO indicated that private capital could be instrumental in bolstering Europe’s defense capabilities and financing manufacturing conversion.

Sports Investing and Operational Focus

Private equity is increasingly finding viable business models within the passion-driven sports ecosystem, according to Don Cornwell, CEO of Dynasty Equity. Dynasty Equity, whose portfolio includes assets like Liverpool FC and Unrivaled Sports, believes that business models are finally aligning with the intense level of sports fandom. Cornwell also advised dealmakers on the necessity of attending annual general meetings, stressing that technology is providing new avenues for investors to tap into sports fandoms. On the staffing front, Calera Capital appointed Michael O’Brien as managing director and head of business development, bringing him over from Valspring Capital.