Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Dealmaking Activity & Volume

Global private equity deal volume contracted in Q1 despite an increase in overall transaction value, reflecting a trend where a smaller number of larger transactions are being completed, according to recent data analysis. This environment is prompting investors to seek specialization, as noted by Bridge Growth Partners’ Alok Singh, who advises portfolio companies to focus intently on niche areas for growth. Meanwhile, major firms continue to restructure holdings; KKR exited a Danish residential portfolio containing 213 units to Pears Global Real Estate, concluding an investment made in 2021 via its KKR Real Estate Partners Europe II fund.

Major Exits & Public Market Moves

Advent filed an S-1 registration statement for INNIO Group on Nasdaq, signaling an exit attempt that targets investor appetite for data center power infrastructure demand. Separately, Gen Nx360 realized an exit exceeding $2bn from the sale of Precision Aviation Group to VSE, a firm that operates 29 global locations. In contrast to IPO plans, EQT launched a tender offer to take Japan's Kakaku.com private at JPY 3,000 per share, valuing the target at approximately $19.20 per share.

Mega-Deals and Consolidation

Apollo-managed funds moved to consolidate the events industry by agreeing to acquire Emerald Holding and Questex in separate transactions, planning to merge the two B2B events businesses in a deal valued at $1.5bn. In Europe, EQT secured a breakthrough in taking Intertek private, while in Italy, Green Arrow Capital finalized its acquisition of DeA Capital, creating the nation's largest alternative investment manager with €8bn in assets under management. Concurrently, Goldman Sachs Alternatives acquired commercial finance firm FGI, installing FGI co-founder Sami Altaher as the new CEO.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Platform Building

Activity remains high in specialized service sectors, with HIG Capital-backed Avanta Salud targeting the acquisition of Iberian occupational health provider Vitaly Group. In legal services, Axcel-backed AGRD Partners expanded its Nordic platform by acquiring Iceland’s BBA Fjeldco, adding to a roster that already includes several regional law firms. Furthermore, Altaline and Haven launched the elevator services network Ascend Safety Collective, appointing former executives from Kings III Emergency and ATIS to its board to drive the platform strategy forward.

Infrastructure & Industrial Transactions

In infrastructure, Infracapital acquired Relobus from Mutares, securing one of Poland's largest private operators of public bus transport services. Meanwhile, Branford Castle-backed Lafayette purchased Sutter Instrument, a manufacturer of specialized equipment for life sciences and polygraph markets. Shore Capital is actively building out its industrial automation focus, appointing Aurelio Banda as executive operating partner to lead that platform strategy.

Investor Capital Allocation & AI Focus

Mubadala’s Zouhir Regragui emphasized that insulation from AI disruption is a top priority for capital allocation, favoring entrenched market leaders who use AI to augment customer value rather than merely cut costs. This focus on cutting-edge technology is mirrored by significant funding events, such as DeepMind spinout Isomorphic Labs raising an impressive $2.1bn. On the fundraising front, Kevin Hartz’s Aclosed its third fund at $450M, maintaining a generalist approach across sectors including AI applications and fintech, with an average check size targeted around $3 million.

Sourcing Capital and Secondaries Market

The Qatar Investment Authority committed $500m to General Atlantic for its global growth equity strategies, substantially deepening an existing relationship. However, the secondary market faces headwinds, with industry participants urging caution regarding evergreen marketing while noting a dent in otherwise burgeoning secondaries volumes due to market uncertainty. To bolster its secondaries team, Pantheon recruited Leif Lindbäck from CVC Capital Partners to spearhead its push into GP-led secondary transactions.

European Tech & Conference Activity

European venture funding continues to see a growing percentage driven by AI, supporting firms that are now seeking Series A rounds, with 25 YC startups due to raise in the near future. Attention is turning toward key regional industry gatherings, with CEE's largest private equity conference scheduled for Warsaw in May, followed by Switzerland's largest PE conference returning to Zurich in June. Additionally, European AI leaders are expected to convene at Nexus Luxembourg 2026 to discuss regional technology development.