Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Financing Activity

Hellman & Friedman is arranging the refinancing of approximately $3 billion in debt for Baker Tilly, moving the financing from private credit to the syndicated market. In the industrials sector, Kinderhook has invested in American Aero, an aerospace components maker, marking its 33rd platform investment in the sector. BGF is set to sell Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of components for advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Bain Capital plans to acquire Supply On, a European supply chain platform connecting over 200 manufacturers and 140,000 suppliers globally across automotive and aerospace sectors. KPS Asia is targeting take-private and carve-out deals in Japan, having recently opened its first Asia office in Tokyo. Pelican Energy has acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, which offers custom metal fabrication, specialty welding, and engineering services. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business founded in 1971, from IK Partners. Paine Schwartz has sold Lyons Magnus, a manufacturer supplying major North American coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains, to Truelink. Coalesce-backed Examinetics has acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel, expanding its occupational health solutions. Brightstar has acquired tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios, integrating it into its architecture and design platform.

Venture Capital and Startup Funding

Natural has raised $30 million to develop payment solutions for AI agents, aiming to compete with established players like Stripe. Inference startup Infinity secured $15 million in funding at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. Cusp AI announced a $450 million funding round to accelerate AI-driven materials discovery. Mexico's startup scene led Latin America in the second quarter, raising $944 million, a 131% increase year-over-year.

Real Estate, Exits, and Portfolio Management

Private real estate investors are increasingly utilizing recapitalizations to unlock liquidity and extend holding periods amid refinancing pressures and challenging exit markets. Peak Rock Capital is reportedly testing the market for its 2015 portfolio company, Berner Food & Beverage, which has seen significant revenue and EBITDA growth since its acquisition. Sources indicate that Peak Rock is in the early stages of a sale process for Berner, with the business tripling revenue and increasing EBITDA sixfold since 2015. Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS international, with an Israeli private equity firm reportedly in talks to acquire control of the inventory services company's operations in Israel and other overseas markets. In a separate transaction, IVEST Consumer Partners and Cloverlay achieved an early exit from their investment in the entertainment franchise Care Bears, which reportedly exceeded operational and financial milestones.

Fund Management and Investor Relations

EQT is reportedly behind its target of delivering €20 billion in exits. CVC is bolstering its Asia-Pacific business. In fund management news, San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association is seeking a general investment consultant through a request for proposal. The private equity industry faces ongoing regulatory pressure, with the SEC's enforcement actions indicating continued scrutiny of managers. EQT's Matthias Wittkowski sees compelling opportunities in the Technology, Information, Communications, and Construction (TICC) sector as AI reshapes delivery, expecting mid-to-high single-digit growth for the global TICC industry. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Eco Eridania, a medical waste business. Apollo is in advanced talks to provide a $3 billion financing package for the Yankees.

Personnel and Sector Focus

Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share management responsibilities with existing managing partners and the chief operating officer. In the UK, a government reshuffle saw Reynolds appointed as business secretary. Sifted highlights 15 anti-fraud startups to watch in 2026 according to investors as well as Daniel Ek's ambitions for his "new European dream" and backlash over reported plans to ditch the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology by Burnham.