Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Capital Flows & Fundraises

The private equity industry continues to see significant capital concentration, with Hayfin Capital Management raising over €15 billion ($17.1 for its latest direct lending fund. This influx of capital into large-scale players mirrors broader trends in the market. In early-stage venture capital, Magnify Ventures secured $46.6 million for its second fund, drawing investment from notable LPs such as Pivotal Ventures, the firm of Melinda French Gates. Meanwhile, Copper Sky Capital is reportedly raising a $300 million second fund, indicating continued activity in venture capital despite broader market shifts. The UK's proposed €5 billion superfund also remains a point of discussion, with the EU offering a quota deal to resolve ongoing negotiations.

Buyout & Acquisition Activity

Across various sectors, private equity firms have been active in acquiring and merging companies. Platinum Equity is set to invest in retailer Grand Appliance, which operates 31 locations across the Midwest. In the industrial services space, JFLCO-backed Wrist Group has acquired maritime logistics provider MSA, while Truelink Capital made its first Fund II platform investment in Horwitz, a provider of mechanical and electrical services. The healthcare sector saw Peak Rock acquire health tech firm Asembia, and GTCR-backed Experity purchase Exdion Healthcare, an on-demand healthcare technology platform.

In a notable consumer sector deal, Cinven is backing the merger of Vitamin Well and EMPWR, bringing Barebells' primary producer in-house. This follows earlier reports of Cinven and Bridgepoint-backed Vitamin Well combining with EMPWR, a contract development and manufacturing organization. Riverside Company has exited its investment in the organic candy brand Yum Earth with a sale to ACON Investments.

Sector-Specific Investments

The energy transition and AI continue to draw investor attention. CVC DIF, the infrastructure arm of CVC, has sold a portfolio of six Polish wind farms to Actis. In scientific innovation, Corten and Ampersand have acquired Beacon Intelligence, a provider of structured data on early-stage drug development. The drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has raised $1.2 billion, with ambitions to expand into humanoid robotics.

The software sector, a traditional private equity sweet spot, is facing increased scrutiny. This year's "Saa Spocalypse" has exposed vulnerabilities in software investments, prompting investors to identify managers capable of navigating a more challenging environment. Despite this, specialized software acquisitions continue, with Main Capital-backed UnameIT acquiring Auto IT, a software provider for Danish car dealerships.

Exits & Divestitures

Private equity firms are also actively divesting portfolio companies. KKR has agreed to sell its ship leasing platform Ocean Yield, which holds interests in over 70 vessels, to AP Moller. Inflexion has exited its investment in aerospace supplier Avantus Aerospace, selling it to U.S. buyout firm Arcline Investment. In the automotive services sector, Garnett Station is reportedly seeking bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering between 13x-15x EBITDA.

Geographic Expansion & Regulatory Focus

Firms are expanding their global reach, with IK Partners set to open a new office in Madrid. In the U.S. market, Nordic Capital-backed Regnology, a regulatory technology platform, plans to acquire Fed Reporter as part of its expansion. The role of private capital in the UK's defense industry is also being discussed, with the consensus being that private investment can act as a catalyst, bringing commercial discipline and scale to the sector according to the Investment Policy Forum. Discussions around continuation vehicles and market practices are also ongoing, with a call for firms to settle on market practice to preempt regulatory intervention.

Venture Capital & Emerging Trends

Beyond traditional buyouts, venture capital is seeing activity in areas perceived as the next frontier. Jack Selby of Thiel Capital is reportedly investing in startups like Etched through his firm Copper Sky Capital. The broader startup funding environment saw U.S. startups announce sizable rounds, with energy and AI leading the way. Global startup investment hit a record $510 billion in H1 2026, with Q2 2026 being the second-largest quarter on record for investor inflows, indicating a strong rebound in exits. Investors are also exploring "physical AI," with two distinct bets being placed in this emerging area as noted by Sifted. Initiatives aimed at diversifying the talent pool are also emerging, such as Common Ventures' scheme to guide working-class graduates into startup careers.