Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Infrastructure and Industrial Deals

Interest in Germany’s state-owned utility Uniper has intensified, with roughly 10 bidders including KKR, Brookfield, and CDPQ currently evaluating the asset. Meanwhile, Mutares has carved out Synthomer, a specialist producer of acrylic acids and esters, as the firm continues to reshape its industrial portfolio. In the space sector, EQT has launched its first bet by acquiring the German satellite deployment firm Exolaunch, a move that complements EQT's broader strategy of capturing niche technology markets.

Sovereign Backing and Take-Privates

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds, specifically the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala, are providing capital to support EQT’s £10.9bn take-private of the FTSE 100 testing giant Intertek. This transaction, valued at roughly £11bn, underscores a trend of large-scale private equity buyouts requiring significant co-investment from institutional partners. In the credit markets, Apollo is nearing a deal to provide a $574m private debt package to refinance Eolo, an Italian fiber and wireless operator currently held by Partners Group.

Sector Expansion and Specialized Funds

MSP Sports Capital has expanded its footprint in the athletic sector by acquiring a majority stake in the New Zealand Sail GP team, signaling continued private equity appetite for professional sports leagues. While dealmakers eye these tangible assets, Eric Slesinger’s 201 Ventures is reportedly planning to launch a second defense-focused fund, targeting a niche that has gained prominence amid evolving geopolitical priorities. The broader market discourse remains focused on AI infrastructure investment, where proponents argue that the current build-out is driven by scarcity rather than speculative bubbles, suggesting long-term asset inflation for those controlling essential components of the digital economy.

European Market Sentiment

Solidarity among European firms remains a focal point as industry players convene at VivaTech to discuss regional cooperation. This collaborative environment is increasingly vital for firms navigating complex regulatory environments and cross-border consolidation efforts across the continent. As private equity firms look to deploy dry powder, the focus remains on securing critical infrastructure and specialized industrial assets that offer defensive characteristics in a volatile macroeconomic climate.