Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Dealmaking Activity

Private equity firms continued their aggressive acquisition pace across diverse sectors. Wynnchurch Capital-backed Principal Industries acquired GENLED Brands, a provider of LED components, while Agellus Capital-backed Compass MSP bolstered its IT and cybersecurity services with the purchase of The Logic Group. In the life sciences arena, Renovus-backed TJP acquired FX2 Virtual, a commercial operations firm. The industrial sector saw I Squared agree to acquire Milestone Environmental from SK Capital, a company specializing in waste disposal for oil and gas operations. Further expanding its industrial footprint, Investcorp-backed KSS acquired Strack Scale Service, a provider of calibration and repair services for industrial weighing systems. Allied Industrial-backed Mat Tech acquired Hook Set Transportation, an industrial hauling company. Arlington Capital Partners rolled out its new naval services platform, Highwater, by combining portfolio company Eptec Defence with AMP United. The pickleball market also saw activity, with Thirty-5 Capital-backed Paddletek acquiring performance paddle company PIKKL.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Investments

Activity extended to specialized sectors, including accounting and food manufacturing. Unity Partners acquired Meaden & Moore Advisors, a professional services firm offering forensic and accounting services, with plans for further add-on acquisitions in the accounting and insurance sectors. Sentinel Capital Partners scooped up Deco Pac, a supplier of cake decorations, from Kohlberg. In the energy sector, Apheon acquired French frozen snack group Alma, signaling expansion plans in the Benelux, Germany, and UK markets. HCPI divested Epicurean Butter to Solina USA, marking the end of its partnership with the founders.

Technology and AI Investments

Venture capital firms showed continued interest in technology, particularly in AI and deeptech. Chemistry Ventures, launched by alumni from prominent VC firms, is raising $500 million for its second fund. AI law startup Norm secured a $120 million Series C round led by Khosla Ventures, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation. Lightyear Capital invested in HR tech firm Corestream to support its growth. Sifted reported on award-winning women building deeptech startups and that IQM investors applauded its debut on public markets. Hive raised $15 million for its AI-powered hardware optimization technology.

Strategic Exits and Portfolio Management

Several firms completed strategic exits and portfolio adjustments. Summit Partners exited Dreampath Diagnostics to Halma, a company that designs systems for pathology labs. EQT agreed to acquire Corza Medical's biosurgery unit, including the Tacho Sil product portfolio, from GTCR. In a move that highlights growing private equity interest in accounting firms, Unity Partners also acquired Meaden & Moore Advisors, expecting to pursue add-on acquisitions. The firm also highlighted its investment strategy at the intersection of accounting and insurance services.

Financial Services and Wealth Management

The financial services sector saw significant transactions and internal appointments. KKR and TA Associates-backed Söderberg & Partners agreed to acquire Benchmark Capital, Schroders' UK financial advice business. Capitol Meridian acquired Westway Enterprises, a national security infrastructure firm, aiming to expand accredited capacity and classified work access for commercial innovators.

Fundraising and Firm Appointments

Fundraising efforts and internal appointments signal ongoing expansion and strategic focus. Patria closed its latest secondaries fund on $677 million, surpassing its target, with a focus on smaller-size deals. Novo Holdings, managing $36 billion in investments, is expanding its planetary health portfolio and considering allocations for private equity GPs. AEA Investors tapped Adam Biren as partner and head of capital formation for the Americas, based in New York. Bridge Growth appointed Prosper Vignone as senior principal to bolster its investment team. Halifax appointed Rob Holcomb as an operating executive.

Sports and Alternative Investments

Alternative investment firms are increasingly targeting sports franchises. Blue Owl Capital acquired a minority equity stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers through its Home Court Partners fund, marking its sixth NBA franchise investment.

Corporate Restructuring and Mergers

Thoma Bravo completed a merger combining Hypergene, a financial planning and analysis platform, with Stratsys, a governance, risk, and compliance software provider, serving customers across Northern Europe.

Government and Sectoral Policy

In the UK, Liz Kendall expressed her desire to continue as the UK's tech secretary, indicating a potential focus on the technology sector's growth and policy.