Private Equity 24 Hours

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

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fund Activity

Private equity firms have been active across a range of sectors, with notable transactions in clinical trials, pest control, and music catalog acquisitions. THL Partners-backed Headlands Research acquired Clinical Trials Research, a Florida-based network of clinical trial sites. In a move to expand its service offerings, TSCP-backed Pest Co acquired Arrow Pest Control, a St. Louis-based provider of pest services. The music industry saw the launch of Firebird, a new platform backed by Ares and Raine Group, with over $750 million in purchasing power dedicated to acquiring music catalogs.

Exits & Portfolio Management

Several firms have realized gains through strategic exits. IVEST and Cloverlay(https://headlinesbriefing.com/private-markets/pe-hub/care-bears-franchise-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-in-major-licensing-deal-d6a46fa1) who acquired the Care Bears brand in 2023, have agreed to sell it to Authentic Brands Group, achieving a reported four-fold revenue growth. Genesis Capital completed an exit from GTH Catering, a corporate catering services provider. In the food processing sector, Xenon Private Equity sold Solana, an Italian tomato processor, to Investindustrial-backed La Doria, marking an exit less than two and a half years after its acquisition. RF Investment Partners also exited Ally Waste Services, concluding a partnership that began in 2022.

Sector Expansion & New Platforms

Firms are actively building platforms and expanding into new service areas. Cathay Capital launched Ascendia Autism Care, which begins operations with an affiliate managing 20 centers across eight states. In the infrastructure services space, ICG Infra is backing the Paulo Duarte Group, which operates a specialized freight fleet across Portugal and Spain. Huron Capital-backed Albireo Energy acquired Pasco Building Automation Services to bolster its building controls and energy services capabilities. O2-backed Azureon expanded its pool care platform with the acquisition of residential pool services firm Pooltek Services.

Technology & AI Focus

Artificial intelligence continues to be a significant driver of investment and innovation. Equi Libre Technologies, an AI lab founded by former Deep Mind researchers, has reached a valuation exceeding $500 million, focusing on providing AI solutions for quant hedge funds. Meanwhile, Meta OpenAI alumni are seeking $400 million for a new AI lab. This trend is also influencing venture capital, with Gilion's Henrik Landgren arguing for improved data infrastructure to better leverage AI in venture capital. The development of AI computing infrastructure is also a focus, with GV's Dave Munichiello discussing the shift in AI software and the management of soaring computing costs.

Infrastructure & Aviation Investments

Private equity is also targeting infrastructure and aviation assets. Partners Group is investing $250 million in Avenue Capital Group’s commercial aviation leasing portfolio through a continuation vehicle. In the UK, Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire Network Plus, a utility and infrastructure service provider, from OMERS Private Equity. CVC Credit is backing the merger of infrastructure services groups KSG and Sasti, forming a pan-European critical infrastructure services platform.

Specialized Sector Acquisitions

Dealmaking has spanned various specialized industries. Blackstone-backed Enverus acquired four PDS Energy Information exchange platforms, enhancing its infrastructure for the US upstream industry. Martis Capital is backing Deerfield Group, a healthcare marketing agency, with previous support from Edgewater Funds. Frazier Healthcare Partners has named Stephen Krupa as an executive in residence for its buyout team. Within the testing, inspection, and compliance sector, Visualize is set to acquire eCOGRA from Hanover Investors, while Triton is in talks to carve out Bureau Veritas’ fuel testing and inspection business for €470 million. CVC is also acquiring Italy’s Clevertech, a manufacturer of automated packaging systems.

Fundraising & Strategy Shifts

Fundraising and strategic adjustments are ongoing within the PE landscape. Generation IM has raised $1 billion for its long-hold private equity strategy, aiming for more transformative market segment changes. The Colorado PERA pension fund is re-evaluating its private equity allocation following underperformance relative to benchmarks, a sentiment echoed by other limited partners. The International Limited Partners Association (ILPA) has updated its guidance on controlled investments, with CEO Jennifer Choi noting the evolution of market practices ILPA updates guidance.

Alternative Investments & Growth Capital

Investment is also flowing into alternative assets and growth-stage companies. Ares Management and Joe Tsai led a $100 million Series E financing for the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), reportedly the largest capital raise in the sport's history. FTV Capital is making a growth investment in Carbon Underwriting, an underwriting specialist with its own Lloyd's syndicate. Parabellum Investments has acquired Crux Informatics, a data management platform that includes over 200 data providers.

Venture Capital Dynamics

The venture capital space is grappling with data utilization and evolving models. Omnea, an AI software company, is offering employees $250,000 to start their own ventures, challenging traditional venture models. This follows trends where Meta OpenAI alumni are seeking significant funding for new AI labs. The effectiveness of AI in dealmaking is a subject of discussion, with some arguing that venture capital firms are misusing AI and require better data infrastructure Venture capital firms using AI wrong. The potential for more venture capital mergers is also anticipated, according to the founder of P101.