Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Mega-Funds and Mega-Deals Dominate Private Equity Activity

Private equity firms are deploying vast sums of capital in large-scale transactions, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and technology infrastructure. Abu Dhabi's MGX has reportedly raised nearly $50 billion for an AI-focused fund, positioning itself as a major player in funding the sector's rapid expansion raised close to $50bn. This follows a trend of significant M&A activity, with Cursor's deal contributing to what is shaping up to be a record year for startup mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. record startup M&A year.

Major Buyouts and Strategic Investments

A consortium led by Permira and Warburg Pincus has taken Clearwater Analytics private in an $8.4 billion deal, with Francisco Partners and Temasek also participating. In the online gaming sector, CVC Capital Partners is set to invest in Chess.com, with existing backer General Atlantic retaining a stake. Meanwhile, Quadrivio and Capdesia have acquired Alice Pizza, Italy's largest fast-casual pizza chain, comprising 231 locations across Italy and internationally acquire Alice Pizza.

Infrastructure and Real Estate Acquisitions

In Japan, Advent International is making its debut with the acquisition of Japan Wellbeing, a significant home care provider, from MBK Partners. Simultaneously, Blackstone and Bain Capital are advancing in the second round of bidding for Fuji Media Holdings' real estate arm, a deal that could reach $6.3 billion and become Japan's largest property transaction on record.

Sector-Specific Deals and Exits

Bain Capital is acquiring a 51% majority stake in Everllence, a Volkswagen carve-out focused on propulsion and decarbonization products for maritime, energy, and industrial sectors, in a deal valued at €7.4 billion majority control of Everllence. In another divestment, Tikehau Capital is exiting its investment in Aubert & Duval, a specialist in complex metallic materials, with Airbus and Safran set to acquire the company exit Aubert & Duval. Platinum Equity has purchased sustainable building products company Tangent from The Sterling Group, while Reverence Capital is backing Midwest CPA firm Eide Bailly.

Consumer and Leisure Sector Investments

The consumer sector also saw notable activity. Bessemer-backed Mas Restaurant Group, a Taco Bell franchisee, is selling 43 Ohio locations to Southpaw. In a significant acquisition, HSG has completed its purchase of luxury footwear brand Golden Goose, with Temasek and True Light Capital joining as minority shareholders.

Sports and Entertainment Stakes

Private equity's reach is extending into professional sports, with Blue Owl Capital reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a minority stake in the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

European VC Funding and Strategy

In Europe, the British Business Bank is actively supporting venture capital, backing 10 VC funds with a £90 million allocation backs 10 VC funds and is considering a stake in the EU's €5 billion Scaleup Fund eyes stake in EU’s Scaleup Fund. Discussions around scaling AI in Europe highlight the importance of long-term vision among founders, suggesting that a focus beyond immediate funding rounds is critical for sustainable growth best founders aren’t building for the next funding round. Investors are also eyeing nuclear startups amidst a broader push for sovereign energy solutions investors eye nuclear startups.

Pension Fund Liquidity and NAV Facilities

Pension funds are prioritizing liquidity, with Ohio Teachers setting its private equity pacing for FY 2027 to address a $4 billion annual deficit prioritises liquidity. The use of NAV facilities is being considered as a potential lifeline for embattled evergreen funds Evergreen fire sales?, indicating a search for flexible solutions in managing fund assets.

Technology and Software Acquisitions

In the software space, Omni-backed Infoshare has acquired 3C Consultants and Infoboss, providers of data governance and compliance software. HiGro Group-backed Daida has scooped up intelligent document processing firm Scan-Optics. Meanwhile, European fintechs are showing signs of recovery, with Alan raising €480 million in a Series G round led by Prosus and N26 achieving profitability after a leadership overhaul.