Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Dealmaking and Exits in Focus

Private equity firms are actively reshaping portfolios, with several deals and divestments making headlines. Kinderhook Industries is investing in American Aero, an aerospace components maker, marking its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector. In a separate transaction, BGF is selling Walker Precision Engineering, a supplier of mission-critical components for advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Paine Schwartz its ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink, a company that supplies major North American coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains. Pelican Energy has acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, which offers custom metal fabrication, welding, engineering, and field installation services. Brightstar has acquired tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios, adding it to its architecture and design platform alongside KZF Design and Erdman. Coalesce-backed Examinetics has acquired occupational health solutions provider Progressive Safety and Jurgiel. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake and continuing to lead the company. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business, from IK Partners.

In the realm of potential divestments the market for its 2015 portfolio company Berner Food & Beverage. Sources indicate the company has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing threefold and EBITDA sixfold since Peak Rock's acquisition in 2015. Elsewhere, Blackstone is reportedly nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS, an inventory services company, with an Israeli private equity firm in talks to acquire control of its international operations Blackstone nears.

Fundraising and Investor Activity

Investor intentions and fundraising efforts are also in the spotlight. San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association is seeking a general investment consultant. University of Bristol spinouts are looking to raise capital. In the venture capital space, Natural has raised $30 million to develop payments for AI agents, aiming to compete with Stripe. Inference startup Infinity has secured $15 million at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. Cusp AI has landed a $450 million round to accelerate AI materials discovery. Mexico continues to lead Latin America in venture capital, with its startups raising $944 million in the second quarter, a significant increase from the previous year.

Sector Focus and Strategic Moves

Private equity firms are making strategic moves across various sectors. Hellman & Friedman is moving Baker Tilly's $3 billion debt from private credit to the syndicated market, with Deutsche Bank arranging the refinancing Hellman & Friedman moves. KPS Asia has opened its first outpost in Tokyo, aiming for take-private and carve-out deals in Japan's manufacturing and industrials sector. Bain Capital is set to acquire European supply chain platform Supply On, which connects over 200 manufacturers with more than 140,000 suppliers globally across automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing sectors. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in medical waste business Eco Eridania.

Market Trends and Regulatory Landscape

The broader market is experiencing shifts influenced by refinancing pressures and evolving investor sentiment. Private real estate investors are increasingly turning to recapitalizations to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods amid a challenging market. Limited partners are reportedly less optimistic about the technology sector following the "Saaspocalypse," with EQT falling behind its target of €20 billion in exits EQT is behind. EQT's Matthias Wittkowski sees compelling opportunities in the Technology, Internet, Cybersecurity, and Cloud (TICC) sector as AI reshapes delivery, with the global TICC industry expected to grow at mid-to-high single digits. Private funds are also facing ongoing regulatory pressure, with the SEC's priorities potentially shifting but enforcement actions indicating continued scrutiny of managers.

In personnel news, Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner. Separately, the UK government has seen a reshuffling of business leadership, with Kevin Hollinrake appointed Business Secretary as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is scrapped. Strictly VC is returning to New York City on September 10 to celebrate the city's startup community.