Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Fundraising and Deal Activity

Private equity fundraising in the second quarter, buoyed significantly by a $49 billion raise for MGX Fund I. This surge in inflows signals a robust market for new capital. In related news, several Korean investment bodies are planning to commit substantial sums to domestic blind pool funds in 2026. The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Fund seeks to allocate 270 billion Korean won, while the Korean Teachers' Credit Union looks to commit 100 billion won.

Market Trends and Firm Appointments

The secondaries market is anticipating an uptick in activity for the second half of the year following a volatile first half. Advisers suggest that a wave of macroeconomic instability has impacted deal flow. In firm news, Blue Wolf has appointed Anne Bailey as lead operating partner, with George Judd continuing as an operating partner. O2 Investment Partners has also tapped Micah Dawson as an operating partner, tasked with driving value across its portfolio companies. Charlesbank has finalized an investment in secondaries PE firm Overbay, with the Overbay team retaining significant long-term shareholder status and control over investment activities.

Sector Focus and Portfolio Moves

Dealmakers are eyeing environmental service providers with at least four firms slated to come to market in the second half. Ares, Littlejohn, Palladium, and TPG are reportedly evaluating sales of these businesses. In the healthcare sector, KKR has unveiled Allyntra, a new medical technology platform anchored by existing portfolio company Precipart. Decathlon Capital Partners is investing in diagnostics firm Amprion Inc. to expand its testing capacity for neurodegenerative diseases. The defense sector is also seeing activity, with Europe's newest defense unicorn raising $175 million in a Series B round.

Venture Capital and Startup Investments

Europe recorded its strongest venture funding quarter in four years, with startups raising $24 billion in Q2, a roughly one-third increase. This marks a significant rebound for the region's startup ecosystem. In India, Nandan Nilekani has stepped down from his GP role at Fundamentum as the firm launches its third fund targeting $200 million. Nilekani will remain an anchor investor. Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures shared common mistakes he's observed in over 500 startup investments, advising early-stage founders on navigating current market headwinds.

M&A and Platform Expansions

Private equity M&A activity remains a substantial force, with mega-deals increasingly shaping the global market. PE-backed Pye-Barker has acquired security and life safety firm Response TECH. Bregal-backed Juniper Landscaping has expanded its commercial landscaping platform by acquiring two aquatic maintenance firms, Compass Environmental and Aquatic Weeds. Coalesce-backed Decision HR has acquired payroll service provider Paymasters Inc. to bolster its PEO and human resources outsourcing solutions. Arrow Global has agreed to acquire Fusion Specialty Group, a managing general agent that has written approximately £290 million in gross premiums.

Valuation and Strategic Investments

Mercor is reportedly in talks to achieve a $20 billion valuation, a significant increase from its previous $10 billion valuation in October. In strategic investments, B Capital-led investor group, including the California Public Employees' Retirement System, is set to acquire Russell Investments. Searchlight's James Redmayne views B2B events and blue-collar services as high-conviction areas for the firm, noting that the bid-ask gap for quality assets is narrowing, which should spur selective deal activity in H2. He also cited "offensive AI and structural resilience" as a compelling combination, observing a clear market bifurcation where premium assets are attracting buyer interest while more cyclical or AI-exposed businesses are struggling. PSG Equity has agreed to a majority growth investment in Bright Analytics, a corporate performance management software provider serving over 1,300 customers across Europe.