Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Dealmaking & Fundraisings

Private equity firms are actively deploying capital and raising new funds, with Clearlake Capital closing its eighth flagship fund at $14.8 billion, reportedly with a significant focus on artificial intelligence investments closes eighth flagship fund. In the early-stage venture space, European investor Seedcamp raised $320 million across two funds, marking an expansion of its U.S. footprint after nearly two decades of focusing on Europe raises $320M for its new fund. This influx of capital signals continued investor confidence in technology and AI-driven innovation.

Consolidation & Platform Builds

The trend towards consolidation and the creation of larger platforms continues. Flexstone Partners agreed to acquire Glouston Capital Partners, a secondaries specialist, to form a substantial private markets platform valued at $15 billion. In the manufacturing sector, Greybull Stewardship is snapping up Genesys Industries, uniting three American manufacturing brands under a single entity. Similarly, Aeterna Group, backed by Signal Hill, has been formed by uniting five existing architecture and engineering firms, indicating a strategy of building scale through M&A in specialized sectors backed architecture and engineering firm.

Sector-Specific Investments

Private equity is showing a keen interest in specific sectors, including laundry services and defense technology. A group of firms including The Sterling Group and Cornell Capital are investing in the laundry services sector, attracted by its perceived resilience to AI disruption pe laundry services deals. Meanwhile, Advent-backed Cobham Ultra Group is selling its defense tech business to Booz Allen for $720 million, highlighting ongoing divestitures and strategic realignments within the defense industry.

LP Concerns & Fund Management

Limited Partners are increasingly voicing concerns over tail-end assets and the management of "zombie funds," vehicles holding legacy investments that struggle to exit. Virginia's $134 billion state pension system, for example, is reportedly worried about GP selection amid these challenges PE’s dreaded ‘Z’ word. This sentiment is echoed by expectations that the number of such tail-end vehicles will rise due to liquidity pressures and difficulties in GP differentiation so-called ‘zombie fund’ problem. In response to these market dynamics, INVL Family Office has launched a private equity secondaries fund with Adams Street Partners, providing clients access to the global secondary market launches private equity secondaries fund.

Debt & Recapitalizations

Activity in private debt and dividend recapitalizations is also notable. Brookfield is seeking a loan of approximately $525 million to fund a dividend payout to investors in its Australian non-bank lender La Trobe Financial and to refinance existing debt seeks $525m loan. Separately, Godiva Japan, owned by MBK Partners, is reportedly in talks to extend the repayment deadline on its leveraged buyout debt, signaling potential stress or strategic adjustments in debt servicing seeks extension on $464m buyout loan.

Strategic Exits & Divestitures

TPG Capital is exiting its investment in Australian drinks producer Made Group, agreeing to sell the business to Danone for $1.4 billion exits Australia's Made Group. This represents a significant divestiture for TPG. In a separate transaction, Investcorp is acquiring a majority stake in UK facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions in a deal valued at over $200 million takes majority stake in UK's Smart Managed Solutions.

AI & Future Software Trends

The rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence is influencing investment strategies and the future of software. Industry observers note that the next wave of software will likely be AI-native and industry-specific, favoring vertical AI companies with deep domain expertise Saas Isn’t Coming Back. Europe is also focusing on building its own AI infrastructure, with discussions around the necessity of controlling the entire AI stack Europe is doubling down. Despite the overall excitement, some AI startups are facing challenges, with Unlikely AI reportedly experiencing widening losses and undergoing a strategic shakeup Unlikely AI loses senior staff.

Fintech & Crowdfunding

Fintech continues to attract significant investment and innovative funding models. Data analytics company Apps Flyer is reportedly seeking a public market debut after securing over $1 billion in a Series E funding round at a $2.7 billion valuation Lands $1B At $2.7B Valuation. On the crowdfunding front, some fintech founders successfully raised €8 million in under an hour, demonstrating the power of community-driven funding for startups crowdfunded €8m in less than an hour.

New Leadership & Personnel Moves

Private equity firms are also making strategic personnel changes. TPG has appointed Axel André as partner and CFO, succeeding Jack Weingart who will transition to lead TPG's global wealth solutions business taps Axel André as partner and CFO. Littlejohn has promoted Charles Leung to managing director, reflecting internal growth and development within the firm promotes Charles Leung to managing director.

Public Market Interest & Takeovers

While much of the focus is on private markets, there are instances of private equity firms engaging with public companies. Castlelake has taken its takeover proposal for easy Jet, reportedly valued at $6.3 billion, directly to shareholders after the airline's board rejected previous approaches Castlelake takes £4.7bn easy Jet bid. This move highlights the aggressive tactics some PE firms employ when pursuing public market targets.