Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Take-Privates and Major Acquisitions Dominate Headlines

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice-backed OCS has agreed to take facilities management firm Mitie private in a £3.1 billion deal, with the company's board unanimously recommending the offer which represents a 46.8% premium to Mitie's previous closing share price. In a separate transaction, Apax Partners is set to acquire techoraco and Institutional Investor, two events and data intelligence platforms, from Delinian, which is backed by Epiris. Cap Vest has finalized its acquisition of TSG Solutions, a French provider of technical services for critical energy infrastructure.

Sector-Specific Deals and Platform Investments

Kinderhook has made its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector with its acquisition of aerospace components maker American Aero. BGF is divesting Walker Precision Engineering, a supplier of mission-critical components to the advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Pelican Energy has acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, which offers services including custom metal fabrication and turnkey project management. Brightstar has expanded its architecture and design platform by acquiring tech design and consulting firm BrightTree Studios. Coalesce-backed Examinetics, an occupational health solutions provider, has acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake.

Strategic Moves in Food, Ingredients, and Pet Care

Carbyne-backed Suan Nutra is acquiring specialty ingredients businesses from IFF, intending to merge the assets into an enlarged natural ingredients platform with manufacturing capabilities across multiple countries. Paine Schwartz is selling Lyons Magnus, a manufacturer serving major coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains, to Truelink. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business, from IK Partners. Peak Rock Capital is reportedly testing the market for its 2015 portfolio company, Berner Food & Beverage, which has reportedly tripled revenue and sextupled EBITDA since its acquisition.

Private Credit and Real Estate Activity

Hellman & Friedman is orchestrating the refinancing of approximately $3 billion of debt for Baker Tilly, moving it from private credit to the syndicated market moves Baker Tilly's $3bn debt. In the real estate sector, private real estate investors are increasingly utilizing recapitalizations to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods amid refinancing pressures and challenging exit environments.

Venture Capital and Startup Funding

Mexico's startups are leading Latin America in venture capital, raising $944 million in the second quarter, a significant increase from the previous year. Natural, a one-year-old startup aiming to reinvent financial architecture for autonomous AI transactions, has raised $30 million to compete with established players like Stripe. Inference startup Infinity has secured $15 million in funding 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 its efforts in AI materials discovery.

Investor Intentions and Market Sentiment

Worcester Retirement System and San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association have both issued requests for proposals for investment consulting services. Investor sentiment towards the technology sector appears to be cooling following a period of significant downturns, with some firms, like EQT, reportedly behind on their exit targets. Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS, an inventory services company, with an Israeli private equity firm reportedly in talks to acquire control of its international operations nears $400m exit deal. Apollo is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a $3 billion financing package for the Yankees Yankees financing package.

Other Developments

KPS Asia is actively exploring take-private and carve-out opportunities in Japan, having recently opened its first Asia outpost in Tokyo. Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share management responsibilities with existing managing partners and the chief operating officer. University of Bristol spinouts are reportedly seeking to raise capital. The UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been scrapped, with Michelle Reynolds appointed as business secretary. Strictly VC is planning a return to New York City on September 10 to celebrate the city's startup community.