Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Dealmaking & Dealmakers

Private equity firms are navigating a complex geopolitical and economic climate, with some focusing on operational improvements in the lower mid-market while others eye strategic acquisitions across various sectors. Fengate's Jennifer Pereira noted that the lower mid-market presents attractive opportunities during times of geopolitical tension and fluctuating interest rates, with value creation driven by cash discipline, pricing power, and operational rigor lower mid-market resilience. The trend of venture capital firm consolidation is expected to continue, according to P101 founder more VC mergers coming. Meanwhile, political considerations are increasingly impacting defense sector strategies, with potential co-investment opportunities for large European funds PE grapples defence politics.

Buyouts & Acquisitions

The acquisition market remains active, with significant deals spanning industrial automation, food ingredients, and manufacturing. CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech, with the founding Reggiani family reinvesting as a minority shareholder. CVC is also set to acquire Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent for an undisclosed sum, following a period where Irca's revenue quadrupled CVC buys ingredients group. HIG Capital completed its acquisition of Premier Forge Group (PFG), a U.S. manufacturer of mission-critical forged components for aerospace, defense, and specialty industrial markets, with Wynnchurch Capital as the seller HIG Capital acquires manufacturer.

In other transactions, a JC Flowers-led investor group is set to acquire Republic Finance, with Nowlake Technology also participating. San Mateo Midstream is acquiring EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, focusing on oil and gas infrastructure San Mateo Midstream acquire. Bridgepoint is entering the U.S. real estate market with an approximately $1.39 billion acquisition of Florida-based property investment platform Kayne Anderson Real Estate (KARE) Bridgepoint enters US real estate. Mental health and neurodiversity M&A is also seeing growth, with Investcorp establishing a new software engineering platform mental health M&A grows.

Fundraising & Investment Focus

Investment capital continues to flow into specific sectors and regions, with a notable focus on data centers and energy infrastructure. Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in building data centers across the Nordic region through its portfolio company Verne. France is reportedly seeking to block the UK's role in a €5 billion EU Scaleup Fund, indicating potential geopolitical friction around investment vehicles France seeks to block. In the energy sector, Index is leading an investment into Berlin-based Nomos Energy Index lead investment.

Portfolio Management & Exits

Portfolio management activities include loan extensions and potential divestitures. Lenders to Godiva Japan have agreed to extend the maturity of around ¥75 billion ($463 of loans by nine months, as MBK Partners considers selling its stake in the Japanese operations Godiva Japan loan extension. Elsewhere, Carr's Hill-backed Smart Gulf Coast has acquired safety firms AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting Smart Gulf Coast picks. Startup exits valued at $1 billion or more reached their highest point since the 2021 market peak in the second quarter, signaling a potential uptick in venture capital returns billion-dollar startup exits.

Industry Trends & Appointments

The private equity industry is observing shifts in investor consumption and talent acquisition. Limited partners are sharing their preferred reading and listening material for the summer, with recommendations from major investors like CalPERS and IMAS Foundation LP summer consumption. Strategic Value Partners has appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team, bolstering its presence in the region SVP appoints managing director. Europe's preventative health startup scene is also being mapped, suggesting areas of emerging investment interest within the region Europe's preventative health startups. Spain is emerging as a dynamic tech ecosystem, potentially attracting further investor attention Spain's dynamic tech ecosystem. Juggernaut Capital and Gareth Bale are reportedly lining up a football takeover, with plans to expand into golf and women's sports football takeover lined up.