Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 19, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Strategic Acquisitions and Take-Privates

EQT’s pursuit of Intertek gained significant momentum as Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala, committed to co-invest in the £10.9bn take-private deal. The transaction, which values the FTSE 100 testing group at roughly £11bn according to recent reports, represents a massive consolidation play in the testing and inspection sector. Simultaneously, EQT expanded its portfolio into the aerospace industry by acquiring the Berlin-based satellite deployment specialist Exolaunch, marking the firm’s inaugural entry into the space economy.

Corporate Carve-outs and Industrial Interest

Interest in state-owned utility assets has intensified, with approximately 10 parties—including KKR, Brookfield, and CDPQ—signaling interest in the potential acquisition of Uniper. The German entity remains a focal point for large-scale infrastructure investors looking for exposure to European energy markets. In a separate industrial move, Mutares finalized an agreement to carve out Synthomer, a specialized producer of acrylic acids and esters, reflecting a broader trend of private equity firms shedding non-core manufacturing segments to sharpen operational focus.

Private Debt and Specialized Sectors

Apollo is negotiating a $574m private debt package to refinance Eolo, the Italian fibre and fixed wireless operator currently held by Partners Group. This financing underscores the appetite for high-yield private credit in the European telecommunications infrastructure space. Meanwhile, MSP Sports Capital signaled a strategic shift into competitive sailing by acquiring a majority stake in the New Zealand Sail GP Team, marking the New York-based firm’s debut in the league and highlighting the growing institutional capital flowing into professional sports franchises.

Capital Allocation and Market Trends

Institutional positioning in AI and high-growth technology remains a dominant theme, with market analysts arguing that the current infrastructure build-out differs fundamentally from the dot-com era, favoring those who control scarce physical assets. Within the broader European tech ecosystem, European solidarity and collaboration emerged as a central narrative at the recent Viva Tech conference, even as internal operational hurdles persist at some startups. For instance, Cleo employees have reported a deteriorating workplace culture, while Nabla faces the pressures of rapid scaling and global expansion. Elsewhere, 201 Ventures is reportedly preparing a second fund focused on the defense sector, and Legora has issued warnings to investors regarding unauthorized share trading activity. Amid these developments, EU Inc’s Iwona Anna Biernat continues to influence the regulatory framework governing the continent’s startup landscape.