Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 16, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Mega-Deals and Strategic Exits

Private equity activity remained robust with several major transactions closing across sectors. Apollo and Blackstone closed a $35 billion private credit facility to fund Anthropic's AI chip development, marking one of the largest private credit commitments this year as institutional investors chase artificial intelligence infrastructure opportunities. In healthcare, H.I.G. Capital completed the $1.8 billion sale of Celerion to THL Partners, transferring the contract research organization that serves pharmaceutical clients across 50 countries. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley exited Brazos Delaware II for $1.6 billion at an 8x EBITDA multiple based on 2027 projections, demonstrating strong returns in the energy services space. Adding to the M&A flow, Advent-backed Nuvei acquired Payoneer in a $2.75 billion take-private transaction, consolidating two major players in global payments and financial services.

Healthcare Investment Surge

The healthcare sector dominated dealmaking activity as investors position for technology-driven transformation. Abry Partners closed an oversubscribed $780 million continuation fund for Centauri Health Solutions, allowing the Boston firm to retain one of its top-performing healthcare assets amid continued consolidation in health technology services. New entrant Prime Radiant Partners made its maiden $50 million investment in Cellares, targeting the cell therapy manufacturing platform as demand for specialized biomanufacturing capacity accelerates. Industry experts from Bain Capital, EQT, and Permira highlighted ongoing opportunities in healthcare, particularly around reimbursement changes and digital health integration, while Ardurra acquired Kelly Engineers in an add-on transaction backed by Littlejohn, expanding the engineering services platform's Northeast footprint.

European Market Dynamics

European private equity showcased diverse strategic moves despite mixed macro conditions. BAE Systems committed €50 million to venture funds Lakestar and Expeditions, signaling defense contractor appetite for emerging technology investments amid heightened security spending. In consumer markets, L Catterton entered exclusive talks for a stake in fitness brand Hyrox, targeting the extreme fitness concept that has gained traction across European markets. German footwear maker Birkenstock prepared a €900 million bond issuance to fund shareholder buybacks, leveraging the strong performance under L Catterton's ownership since taking the company private in 2023. However, Sigma Healthcare withdrew from the Boots acquisition process, reducing buyer pool for Sycamore Partners' £5 billion pharmacy chain sale.

Credit and Secondaries Markets

Alternative investment structures continued attracting capital as investors seek diversification. Blue Owl led Veld Capital's €355 million credit commitment vehicle, providing follow-on capital for an existing pipeline of opportunities in European mid-market credit strategies. Argosy doubled its fund size with a $145 million raise for its small-deal-focused secondaries strategy, targeting checks between $100,000 and $10 million as the market for smaller LP interests remains underserved. On the corporate front, Aurelius exited SEG Electronics to Arteche Group, completing the sale of the protection relay manufacturer serving medium-voltage power grid applications across 300 customers globally.

Portfolio Company Activism and Restructuring

Shareholder activism surfaced in several portfolio companies as sponsors seek value realization. Elliott Investment Management accumulated nearly a 5% stake in Bunzl, pressing the distribution company to launch significant buybacks and review its corporate structure amid undervaluation concerns. In the technology arena, Amazon launched its climate tech startup accelerator program, targeting early-stage companies developing solutions for carbon reduction and environmental sustainability as corporate venture arms increase climate-focused investments. Meanwhile, Urs Wietlisbach split his family office operations in a succession planning move, separating the Partners Group co-founder's personal wealth management from the institutional platform.

Technology and AI Investment Trends

Artificial intelligence continued reshaping private equity investment approaches across geographies. ASML indicated interest in additional Mistral-style startup investments, following the semiconductor equipment giant's participation in the French AI model developer's funding rounds as chip demand accelerates. However, US companies captured nearly 80% of global AI funding through 2026, creating a stark geographic divergence that European investors must navigate amid intensifying competition for quality opportunities. SaaS founders are pivoting strategies as AI and large language models disrupt traditional software models, forcing emphasis on business outcomes and workflow ownership rather than pure software functionality.