Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Capital Markets

Private equity firms are actively raising new capital, with Clearlake Capital closing its eighth flagship fund at $14.8 billion, a significant sum with a stated focus on artificial intelligence. Early-stage investor Seedcamp has secured $320 million across two new funds, marking an expansion of its U.S. footprint after years of focusing on Europe, and reaching $1 billion in assets under management across its funds. INVL Family Office also launched a private equity secondaries fund in partnership with Adams Street Partners, offering clients access to the global secondary market for private equity assets.

Deal Activity & Portfolio Management

A wave of acquisitions and investments are reshaping various sectors. Greybull Stewardship has acquired Genesys Industries, consolidating three American manufacturing brands under its platform, including Avia Marine Company and Latrobe Foundry. Similarly, LDC invested in Nu-Style Products, a manufacturer and supplier of laminate wall panels. In the professional services realm, Signal Hill is backing the launch of Aeterna Group, an architecture and engineering firm formed by the union of five existing entities.

Meanwhile, Investcorp is acquiring a majority stake in UK facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions in a deal valued at over $200 million. Flexstone Partners has agreed to acquire Glouston Capital Partners, creating a $15 billion private markets platform. In a notable exit, TPG Capital is selling Australian drinks and dairy producer Made Group to Danone for an undisclosed sum.

Sector Focus: AI, Industrials & Services

The artificial intelligence sector continues to attract significant investment, though some companies emphasize their independence from major AI players. Tandem Health CEO stated the company is not dependent on OpenAI or Anthropic, signaling a trend towards proprietary AI development. The next generation of software is expected to be AI-native and industry-specific, with vertical AI companies possessing deep domain expertise poised for major gains in this evolving market. In contrast, the robotics sector has seen an unprecedented surge in venture funding, with startups globally raising $18.8 billion in 2026 year-to-date, surpassing the full-year totals of previous years for the sector.

Private equity also remains active in industrial and service sectors less susceptible to AI disruption. Firms including The Sterling Group, Cornell Capital, and HIG Capital are investing in the laundry services sector, which is seen as resilient to AI-driven changes. Advent-backed Cobham Ultra Group is selling its Ultra Mission Solutions defense tech business to Booz Allen for $720 million, highlighting activity in the defense technology segment.

Distressed Assets & Investor Concerns

Investor sentiment is increasingly focused on the challenges of managing tail-end assets, with concerns about "zombie funds" rising. Limited partners are worried about the persistence of these vehicles holding assets longer than expected, driven by liquidity pressures and difficulties for general partners in differentiating their strategies in the current market. Virginia's $134 billion state pension system has expressed concerns about GP selection, reflecting broader LP anxieties around fund performance and longevity.

Financing & Valuations

In financing news, Brookfield is seeking a A$750 million loan, approximately $525 million, to fund a dividend recapitalization for its Australian non-bank lender La Trobe Financial and refinance existing debt. Separately, MBK Partners' Godiva Japan is negotiating an extension on its $464 million leveraged buyout loan as it seeks to adjust repayment deadlines. Data analytics company Apps Flyer is reportedly raising more than $1 billion in a Series E round at a $2.7 billion valuation, with an eye toward potential public markets listing.

Strategic Moves & Personnel

TPG has appointed Axel André as partner and CFO, succeeding Jack Weingart, who will transition to lead TPG’s global wealth solutions business. In other strategic moves, Flexpoint Ford has invested in Novel Financial Holdings, expanding the ownership base of the financial services firm. Littlejohn has promoted Charles Leung to managing director, recognizing his contributions to the firm.

Airline Takeover Bid

Castlelake has taken its £4.7 billion takeover proposal for easy Jet directly to shareholders after the airline's board rejected three prior approaches. This move signals a determined effort by the U.S. private equity firm to acquire the budget airline, despite initial board resistance to the offer.