Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fundraising

Private equity firms continued to pursue a broad range of acquisitions and investments across various sectors, signaling sustained deal appetite. Wynnchurch-backed Principal Industries acquired GENLED Brands, a provider of LED components Principal Industries advances, while Agellus Capital-backed Compass MSP bolstered its IT and cybersecurity offerings by acquiring The Logic Group CompassMSP expands services. In the life sciences space, Renovus-backed TJP expanded its reach by acquiring FX2 Virtual, a commercial operations firm TJP adds virtual services.

The industrial and energy sectors also saw significant activity. I Squared agreed to acquire Milestone Environmental from SK Capital, which operates disposal facilities for oil and gas waste streams I Squared targets waste facilities. Investcorp-backed KSS acquired Strack Scale Service, a provider of industrial weighing system maintenance KSS acquires scale services. Furthermore, Allied Industrial-backed Mat Tech expanded its industrial services by acquiring Hook Set Transportation Mat Tech adds hauling.

In professional services, Unity Partners acquired Meaden & Moore Advisors, a firm specializing in forensic and accounting services, with expectations for further add-on acquisitions Unity Partners buys accounting firm. This acquisition aligns with a growing trend of private equity firms investing in accounting and professional services PE appetite for accounting firms. Separately, Thirty-5 Capital-backed Paddletek acquired performance paddle company PIKKL, indicating a focus on niche consumer brands Paddletek paddles up.

EQT

has agreed to acquire the biosurgery business of Corza Medical from GTCR, including the Tacho Sil product portfolio EQT buys biosurgery unit. Meanwhile, HCPI sold Epicurean Butter to Solina USA, marking an exit for the firm that partnered with the butter company's founders in 2019 HCPI exits Epicurean Butter. Summit Partners also completed an exit, selling Dreampath Diagnostics to Halma Summit exits diagnostics.

Arlington

launched a new naval services platform, Highwater, by combining its portfolio company Eptec Defence with AMP United, a US provider of naval preservation services Arlington forms naval platform. Sentinel acquired cake decorations supplier Deco Pac from Kohlberg, adding to its portfolio of consumer goods businesses Sentinel scoops up DecoPac.

Fundraising and Talent Moves

Fundraising efforts continue across the venture capital and private equity spectrum. Chemistry Ventures, launched by alumni from prominent VC firms, is raising $500 million for its second fund Chemistry Ventures seeks $500M. In the secondaries market, Patria's focus on smaller deals has helped its latest fund close on $677 million ahead of its target, as distributed to paid-in capital (DPI) issues persist Patria's secondaries fund closes.

Talent acquisition and expansion are also evident. AEA Investors appointed Adam Biren as partner and head of capital formation for the Americas, based in its New York office AEA Investors adds Biren. Bridge Growth appointed Prosper Vignone as senior principal to its investment team, where he will support sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio oversight Bridge Growth hires Vignone. Halifax tapped Rob Holcomb as an operating executive, bringing experience from his prior role in analytics at Johnson & Johnson Halifax adds operating executive.

Sector-Specific Investments and Strategic Moves

The technology sector remains a focal point for investment. Lightyear invested in HR tech firm Corestream to support its continued growth Lightyear invests in Corestream. In the artificial intelligence space, AI law startup Norm raised a $120 million Series C round led by Khosla Ventures, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation Norm hits unicorn valuation. Hive raised $15 million for its "silicon brain" technology aimed at reducing the cost of running machines by 80% Hive raises $15M.

The sports and entertainment sector is drawing alternative investment interest. Blue Owl Capital acquired a minority equity stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers through its Home Court Partners fund, marking the sixth NBA franchise backed by the vehicle Blue Owl buys into Cavaliers.

In financial services, KKR and TA Associates-backed Söderberg agreed to acquire Benchmark Capital, the UK financial advice business, from Schroders Söderberg acquires Benchmark. Capitol Meridian acquired national security infrastructure firm Westway Enterprises, aiming to accelerate expansion and broaden access to classified work for commercial innovators Capitol Meridian buys Westway.

The food and beverage sector also saw private equity activity, with Apheon acquiring French frozen snack group Alma and looking for expansion in Benelux, Germany, and the UK Apheon acquires Alma.

Advent

agreed to acquire a minority stake in Avio, the Italian space and defense propulsion group, to support the company's expansion into solid rocket motors Advent backs Avio expansion. Thoma Bravo closed a merger combining Hypergene's FP&A and portfolio management platform with Stratsys's governance, risk, and compliance software, serving customers across Northern Europe Thoma Bravo merges software firms.

Market Trends and Commentary

Commentary from industry participants suggests ongoing challenges and opportunities in the private equity market. Patria's head of secondaries, Patrick Knechtl, noted that dealflow continues to unlock as DPI issues persist, although the firm's focus on smaller secondaries deals has differentiated its latest fund Secondaries dealflow persists. For European GPs eyeing retail capital, navigating this market requires careful strategy Retail capital demands caution. Meanwhile, the UK tech sector, while facing global headwinds, continues to see activity, with discussions around the future role of figures like Liz Kendall as UK tech secretary UK tech secretary's role. The burgeoning deeptech startup scene is also gaining attention, with an upcoming recognition of women building such ventures Deeptech women recognized. The public market debut of IQM was met with investor applause for its performance IQM debuts on public markets.