Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 16, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Exits

Private equity firms are actively reshaping portfolios through a series of significant transactions. Altor, Strawberry, and TDR Capital are preparing to exit their investment in the Nordic Leisure Travel Group, with the sale expected to fetch $846 million. Morgan Stanley also concluded its exit from Brazos Delaware II, realizing $1.6 billion, which represented an 8x EBITDA multiple based on projected 2027 earnings. In the technology sector, Cathay Capital has acquired a majority stake in Equadis, a product data Software-as-a-Service firm serving over 600 clients including major consumer goods companies like Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Meanwhile, H.I.G. Capital has divested its contract research organization Celerion to THL Partners for $1.8 billion, marking a substantial exit in the clinical pharmacology space. Aurelius also reported an exit, selling its protection relay business SEG Electronics to Arteche Group.

Financing & Fund Activity

Capital raising and debt refinancing remain key activities for private equity. Blackstone's portfolio company Ancestry is reportedly exploring a $2.25 billion loan to manage its existing debt, with Bank of America leading the arrangement. Separately, Abry Partners successfully closed an oversubscribed $780 million continuation fund for Centauri Health Solutions, enabling the firm to retain a significant healthcare asset. In the secondaries market, Blue Owl is leading a €355 million credit vehicle for Veld Capital, designed to capitalize on an existing pipeline of opportunities. Argosy also announced a doubling of its fund size, raising $145 million for its small-deal-focused secondaries unit, which targets investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million.

Sector Focus: Healthcare & Defence

The healthcare sector continues to attract substantial private equity interest, with investors navigating technological advancements and evolving reimbursement landscapes. PE Hub's latest Sector Spotlight series features insights from numerous firms, including Arlington Capital Partners, Bain Capital, EQT, and Permira, underscoring the sector's complexity and potential. Prime Radiant Partners, a newly established advisory firm, has made its inaugural investment with a $50 million growth equity commitment to Cellares, a company focused on healthcare and life sciences. In defense, BAE Systems is making strategic venture capital investments, committing €50 million to VC firms Lakestar and Expeditions, signaling a push towards innovation and emerging technologies within the industry.

Technology & AI Investments

The artificial intelligence boom is influencing investment strategies, though its global reach remains uneven. companies have secured nearly 80% of global seed- through growth-stage financing in 2026, the broader AI startup funding landscape is a complex environment. Apollo and Blackstone notably closed a $35 billion private credit deal specifically to fund AI chip development for Anthropic, highlighting the substantial capital required for this sub-sector. In broader technology, LDC has invested in the accountancy firm Fortus, which employs a 115-strong team of specialists. The evolving nature of software is also evident, with founders needing to adapt their playbooks to focus on measurable business outcomes and workflow ownership, especially as AI and LLMs reshape the traditional Software-as-a-Service model.

Retail & Consumer Brands

Consumer-facing businesses are also seeing significant private equity activity. L Catterton, backed by LVMH, is in exclusive talks to acquire a stake in the fast-growing extreme fitness brand Hyrox. The firm is also reportedly preparing its first bond sale in over five years, aiming to raise €900 million for buybacks related to its portfolio company Birkenstock. In a separate development, Sycamore Partners' attempt to sell the UK pharmacy chain Boots has encountered a setback, with Sigma Healthcare withdrawing as a potential suitor.

European Defense & Technology Ecosystems

Europe is exploring strategies to bolster its self-reliant defense technology ecosystem. ASML, a key player in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, is reportedly eyeing further startup investments similar to its previous engagement with Mistral AI, indicating a desire to nurture domestic technological capabilities. This initiative aligns with broader discussions on how Europe should respond to the U.S. approach to AI development.