Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Defense & Industrials

Tikehau Capital is actively building its defense technology pipeline, with expectations for its next deal to materialize by year-end or early 2025, according to Emmanuel Laillier. Laillier noted that while European defense budgets are increasing, this growth reflects production volume for conflict readiness rather than intensive conflict output. In line with this sector focus, Arlington has launched a new naval services platform named Highwater, combining portfolio companies Eptec Defence and AMP United to offer naval preservation and structural services. Separately, Wynnchurch-backed Principal Industries acquired GENLED Brands, a provider of LED components and engineered assemblies, while Agellus Capital-backed CompassMSP acquired managed IT and cybersecurity firm The Logic Group, and Renovus-backed TJP acquired life sciences commercial operations firm FX2 Virtual. Further consolidation in professional services is evident with Unity Partners acquiring Meaden & Moore Advisors, a forensic and accounting services firm, and Capitol Meridian acquiring national security infrastructure firm Westway Enterprises to bolster its capacity for classified work. Investcorp-backed KSS also expanded its industrial services with the acquisition of Strack Scale Service.

Technology & Saa S

Amadeus Capital Partners chief executive Anne Glover predicts that artificial intelligence will render some software-as-a-service providers obsolete, a sentiment echoed by the continued venture capital interest in AI-centric startups. Khosla Ventures led a $120 million Series C round for AI law startup Norm, valuing it at $1.2 billion. In other venture news, Bessemer, Index Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz alums are raising $500 million for their second fund under the Chemistry Ventures banner. Accel has doubled down on its investment in energy startup Axle, while Lightyear is investing in HR tech firm Corestream to fuel its growth. Europe's startup ecosystem saw significant attention in the first half of the year, with startup insiders watching a range of companies, including those focused on deeptech ventures.

Financial Services & Asset Management

AEA Investors has appointed Adam Biren as a partner and head of capital formation for the Americas, based in its New York office. On the secondaries market, Patria successfully closed its latest fund at $677 million, exceeding its target, with a focus on smaller-deal secondaries. Blue Owl Capital acquired a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers through its Home Court Partners fund, its sixth NBA franchise investment. In wealth management, KKR and TA Associates-backed Söderberg & Partners is acquiring Benchmark Capital from Schroders. Meanwhile, private equity firms eyeing retail capital are navigating a delicate market, with some European GPs surpassing their hard-caps and Temasek-linked Azalea joining the evergreen fund space.

Food & Beverage and Consumer Goods

HCPI has sold Epicurean Butter to Solina USA, following its initial partnership with the founders in 2019. Sentinel acquired cake decorations supplier Deco Pac from Kohlberg. Thirty-5 Capital-backed Paddletek acquired performance paddle company PIKKL, signaling continued activity in the sporting goods sector.

Energy & Waste Management

I Squared Capital is set to acquire Milestone Environmental from SK Capital. Milestone operates 15 permitted disposal facilities for oil and gas waste streams across active U.S. energy basins. Allied Industrial-backed Mat Tech acquired industrial hauling company Hook Set Transportation, expanding its waste and hauling services in the Houston area.

Pension Funds & Investor Strategy

Australia's Rest pension fund is increasing its private markets exposure, with a particular emphasis on private equity and infrastructure. Marina Pasika, Rest's new head of private markets, indicated the fund aims to diversify its holdings.

Executive Appointments & Firm Growth

Bridge Growth appointed Prosper Vignone as senior principal to its investment team, where he will support sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio oversight. Halifax has named Rob Holcomb as an operating executive, bringing his prior experience from Johnson & Johnson.