Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Exits

Private equity firms are actively pursuing exits and acquisitions across various sectors. Advent is nearing a $3.5bn exit from naval technology group Ultra Maritime, with Lockheed Martin reportedly leading the acquisition race. In the maritime logistics space, JFLCO-backed Wrist Group acquired, a provider of marine supply and logistics services. Meanwhile, Riverside Company sold organic to ACON Investments, and CVC DIF divested its Polish wind portfolio to Actis. Garnett Station is reportedly collecting first-round bids for its automotive service provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering 13x-15x EBITDA.

Technology & Software

The technology sector continues to see significant private equity activity, particularly in digital infrastructure and software. Sandbrook noted strong momentum in European digital infrastructure, having invested €200 million in Krios, a platform focused on grid-secured land for data centers. In software, GTCR-backed Experity acquired Exdion, bolstering its healthcare technology platform. Nordic Capital-backed Regnology is set to expand its U.S. presence by acquiring Fed Reporter, a regulatory technology platform. Corten and Ampersand have acquired Beacon Intelligence, which provides structured data on early-stage drug development. Despite the "Saa Spocalypse" exposing vulnerabilities in software investments, AI continues to drive innovation and funding, with AI labs increasingly populating areas like King’s Cross.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Private equity is making substantial investments in healthcare and life sciences. acquired health tech firm, which also operates a specialty pharmacy conference. Parthenon has backed patient support solutions provider Momentum Life Sciences, with the existing leadership team remaining significant shareholders. In a move to boost its portfolio, Truelink Capital made its first Fund II platform investment in Horwitz, a provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services for complex commercial and industrial facilities. The broader trend of capital concentration is evident as Hayfin Capital Management has raised over €15 billion ($17.1 for its latest flagship direct lending fund, attracting significant capital with scale.

Consumer & Retail

Retail and consumer goods are also seeing PE interest, with a focus on expansion and consolidation. Platinum Equity is set, which operates 31 retail locations across four Midwestern states. In a strategic consumer sector play, Cinven is combining its portfolio company Vitamin Well Group with nutrition bar manufacturer EMPWR, bringing Barebells' primary producer in-house.

Fundraising & Capital Markets

The fundraising environment remains active, with large funds continuing to attract substantial capital. Hayfin Capital Management has raised more than €15 billion ($17.1 for its latest flagship direct lending fund, demonstrating a trend where capital concentrates with scale players. Copper Sky Capital, Jack Selby's VC firm, is reportedly raising a $300 million second fund. Magnify Ventures has secured $46.6 million for its Fund II, with Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures as an LP. On the secondaries market, BCI is seeking "good returns" from its newly launched capital solutions strategy, noting that while more LPs participate directly in continuation vehicles and secondaries, they remain "the exception, not the norm." Guidance for continuation vehicles is a topic of discussion, with arguments for settling on market practice to avoid regulatory intervention art self-governance.

International & Regulatory Focus

Activity extends globally, with firms expanding their reach and navigating regulatory landscapes. IK Partners is set to open a new office in Madrid and has appointed Gonzalo Fernandez-Albiñana as partner. The debate over whether the EU should block the UK from its €5 billion superfund continues to be a point of discussion regarding European capital pools. In Japan, Bain Capital and SoftBank's LY Corp have sweetened their bid for price-comparison operator Kakaku.com to $4.1 billion, stretching their lead over competitor EQT. The UK's defense industry is looking to private capital as an accelerator, with the Investment Policy Forum panel suggesting that private capital brings commercial discipline and scale, but should not replace government funding for the defence industry.

Emerging Trends & AI

Artificial intelligence continues to be a significant driver of investment and innovation. Startups in the AI sector are attracting substantial funding rounds, and investors are exploring opportunities in both digital and physical AI applications as the AI boom accelerates. However, the "Saa Spocalypse" has exposed vulnerabilities in software valuations, prompting a reassessment of investment strategies in the sector as AI upends software sweethearts. Concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of AI strategy overhauls, with Andy Burnham's plan sparking. Europe is also seeing a new model for billion-dollar startups, with a reported "one unicorn a week" pace across the continent. Bending Spoons' CEO has expressed ambitions for an $18 billion IPO, aiming to build a "legendary institution."

Fund & Sector Specific Deals

Beyond broader trends, specific deals and fund activities are noteworthy. Meritus Gas Partners' subsidiary Buckeye Welding Supply has acquired helium solutions firm HICO. In a move to expand its services, Bain Capital-backed Experity acquired Exdion Healthcare. The acquisition of Asembia by Peak Rock marks a significant move in the health tech space. Discussions around the sale of Goodturn Tire indicate continued interest in automotive service providers, with bids reflecting strong EBITDA multiples. In the energy sector, U.S. startups like Joulent are securing sizable funding rounds, with energy and AI leading the way.