Private Equity 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
Private Equity Dealmaking and Portfolio Activity
Hellman & Friedman is looking to refinance approximately $3 billion of debt for its portfolio company Baker Tilly, moving it from private credit to the syndicated loan market. Deutsche Bank is reportedly arranging the transaction. In the industrials and manufacturing sector, Kinderhook Industries pehub.com has made its 33rd platform investment in aerospace components maker American Aero. Separately, BGF pehub.com is exiting its investment in Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components for the aerospace and defense markets, selling it to Karman Space & Defense. Paine Schwartz pehub.com has sold its ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus, which supplies major coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains, to Truelink. Pelican Energy pehub.com has acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company. Additionally, Brightstar pehub.com has expanded its architecture and design platform with the acquisition of tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios. Coalesce pehub.com-backed Examinetics has acquired occupational health solutions provider Progressive Safety and Jurgiel. Greenbelt pehub.com has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake. Bain Capital pehub.com is set to acquire European supply chain platform Supply On, which connects over 200 manufacturers and their suppliers globally in sectors like automotive and aerospace. In the pet care sector pehub.com has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business, from IK Partners. Peak Rock pehub.com is reportedly exploring a sale of its 2015 portfolio company Berner Food & Beverage, which has seen significant revenue and EBITDA growth under its ownership.
Venture Capital and Startup Funding
Natural techcrunch.com, a one-year-old startup, has raised $30 million to develop financial infrastructure for autonomous AI transactions, positioning itself as a competitor to Stripe. The artificial intelligence sector continues to attract significant investment, with inference startup Infinity techcrunch.com securing $15 million at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. In Latin America, Mexico's startups news.crunchbase.com have significantly outpaced Brazil in venture capital funding, raising $944 million in the second quarter, a 131% increase year-over-year. Several AI-focused companies are making notable moves, including CuspAI sifted.eu, which has landed a $450 million round to accelerate AI materials discovery. Separately, investors are watching sifted.eu for 2026.
Real Estate, Exits, and Firm Strategy
Private real secondariesinvestor.com are increasingly turning to recapitalizations to generate liquidity and extend investment hold periods amidst mounting refinancing pressures and challenging exit markets. Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for its inventory services company RGIS, with an Israeli private equity firm reportedly in talks to acquire control of its international operations. Apollo is reportedly in advanced discussions for a $3 billion financing package for the Yankees. EQT is reportedly behind its goal to deliver €20 billion of exits, while CVC is strengthening its Asia-Pacific business privateequityinternational.com. CVC DIF pehub.com has agreed to acquire a majority stake in medical waste business Eco Eridania. EQT pehub.com sees compelling opportunities in the technology, infrastructure, and telecommunications and business services (TICC) sector as AI reshapes delivery, forecasting mid-to-high single-digit growth for the global TICC industry.
Regulatory and Operational Developments
Private fund privateequityinternational.com are facing ongoing regulatory scrutiny, with enforcement actions indicating continued focus from the SEC, even as priorities may shift. The UK government has seen a reshuffling of business leadership, with Kevin Hollinrake sifted.eu appointed Business Secretary as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is reportedly being scrapped. Littlejohn pehub.com has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share management responsibilities with existing managing partners and the chief operating officer. KPS Asia privateequityinternational.com has opened its first Tokyo office, signaling a focus on take-private and carve-out transactions in Japan's manufacturing and industrials sector. SJCERA privateequityinternational.com is seeking a general investment consultant through a request for proposal. Strictly VC is planning a return to New York City on September 10th to celebrate the techcrunch.com.