Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

AI & Venture Capital

A new AI lab is seeking $400 million from investors, founded by alumni from Meta and OpenAI. This venture aims to leverage their expertise in a rapidly evolving field, mirroring trends seen in the operational models of companies like Revolut, which is known for its "bet factory" approach. Meanwhile, venture capital firms are being urged to improve their data infrastructure, with one expert arguing that the current use of AI is flawed and that firms need to build better data foundations to connect directly to financial and accounting sources. This comes as Qualcomm makes strategic acquisitions in the AI software space, indicating a shift in how technology companies are managing the substantial costs and complexities of AI computing. Hong Kong is also positioning itself as a gateway for European investors looking to tap into Asia's burgeoning AI market Hong Kong's AI market.

Infrastructure & Services M&A

Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire Network Plus, a significant UK utility and infrastructure services provider, from OMERS Private Equity. This deal highlights ongoing private equity interest in essential services. In a similar vein, CVC Credit is backing the merger of two European infrastructure service groups, KSG and Sasti, to create a pan-European critical infrastructure platform. Within the testing, inspection, and certification sector, Triton is in exclusive talks to carve out Bureau Veritas’ fuel testing and inspection business for an estimated €470 million. Additionally, Skoyen is set to acquire Bartec Municipal Technologies, whose systems are used by over 100 UK local authorities for waste collection and street cleaning.

Buyouts & Platform Acquisitions

Private equity firms continue to actively pursue platform acquisitions and add-on deals across various sectors. HIG Capital, has acquired Premier Forge Group, a U.S. manufacturer of forged components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, from Wynnchurch Capital. O2-backed Azureon has bolstered its pool care platform by acquiring Pooltek Services, a residential pool services firm based in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. High Street Partners has expanded its home services footprint with Pinnacle Contracting Services acquiring CJones Plumbing, a provider of residential concrete, masonry, and landscaping services. In the waste management sector, RF Investment Partners has exited its investment in Ally Waste Services.

Industrial Automation & Manufacturing

CVC, has agreed to acquire Clevertech, an Italian industrial automation group specializing in advanced automated packaging systems. The founding Reggiani family will reinvest as a minority shareholder alongside CVC. This acquisition underscores continued private equity appetite for industrial technology.

Financial Services & Technology

FTV is set to make a growth investment in Carbon Underwriting, a specialist underwriting firm with its own Lloyd's syndicate. In the Saa S space, Main is acquiring Provadie, a Dutch provider of software for real estate valuation and appraisal. Meanwhile, Parabellum Investments has acquired Crux Informatics, a data management platform that connects to over 200 data providers, including major financial data firms.

Operational Enhancements & Firm Moves

Gen Nx360 has appointed Welela Dawit as an operating partner to support value creation initiatives across its portfolio companies. The ILPA has updated its guidance on continuation funds, with CEO Jennifer Choi noting that previous recommendations were "silent on a lot of things" in an evolving market. This comes as double-down funds are anticipated to gain traction. In terms of firm movements, Strategic Value Partners has appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team, joining from Davidson Kempner.

Consumer & Retail

Altamont Capital has sold its comfort food chain, Cotton Patch Cafe, to Local Favorite Restaurants, a platform focused on local brands. Separately, MBK Partners is looking to sell Godiva Japan, as lenders have agreed to extend around ¥75 billion ($463 in loans by nine months.

Real Assets & Infrastructure

Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne, aiming to build out significant capacity across the region.

Venture Capital Trends & Data

The venture capital industry is facing challenges with data management, with arguments that firms are not utilizing AI effectively and need to focus on building robust data infrastructure Venture Capital Data Issues. The founder of P101 anticipates further consolidation within the venture capital sector. In a separate development, Index Ventures is expected to lead an investment round into Berlin-based Nomos Energy.

Other Transactions

Carr's Hill has added to its portfolio company Smart Gulf Coast by acquiring safety firms AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting.