Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Activity Shows Robust Deal-Making and Fund-Raising

Private equity firms are demonstrating significant deal-making momentum, with several platform acquisitions and strategic bolt-ons reported. CD&R-backed OCG facilities management firm Mitie private in a £3.1 billion deal, a transaction that to Mitie's prior closing share price. In a separate transaction of TSG Solutions, a French provider of technical services for critical energy infrastructure. Kinderhook invested in aerospace components maker American Aero, marking its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, scooped up industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, adding capabilities in custom metal fabrication and project management.

On the buy-and-build front Bluegrass Commercial Cleaning and Rainbow Maintenance Services, both of which are commercial janitorial service providers. RFE-backed LaunchPad home inspection firm Top to Bottom Services, expanding its platform of residential inspection and homeowner services companies. In the ingredients sector specialty ingredients businesses from IFF, aiming to create an enlarged natural ingredients platform. Paine Schwartz ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink, a company that supplies major North American coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains.

Secondaries Market and Investor Activity Surge

The private equity secondaries market is experiencing a record-breaking run, with fundraising and transaction volumes reaching new heights. Secondaries fundraising $50 billion in the first half of the year, marking the second-strongest six-month period over the past six years. Secondaries volume its record-breaking run, with transaction activity remaining robust despite market volatility. On the fund-raising side its target, reaching $6.4 billion for its debut fund, which initially launched with a $4 billion target. In a notable move, Hellman & Friedman moved Baker Tilly's approximately $3 billion debt from private credit to the syndicated market, a refinancing arranged by Deutsche Bank.

Investor intentions are also active, with an RFP for investment consulting services and similar services.

AI and Tech Funding Landscape Shifts

The artificial intelligence and technology sectors are attracting significant investment, though funding dynamics are evolving. Enlightenment Capital in govtech firm Quorum to accelerate its product roadmap and expand its AI capabilities. In the fintech space to reinvent payments for AI agents and challenge established players like Stripe. The perception in the European fintech market is that "," highlighting the crucial role of AI in securing capital.

The landscape for Black founders in the AI era is showing signs of improvement, with Black-founded startups raising approximately $643 million by late May, though this was driven by a handful of deals. Technologies Capital that while AI is reshaping Saa S, the business model is not headed for extinction. In AI infrastructure $15 million at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic.

Strategic Divestitures and Portfolio Adjustments

Private equity firms are also actively managing their portfolios through strategic divestitures and adjustments. BGF set Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components to the advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Partners acquiring techoraco and Institutional Investor from Delinian, two events and data intelligence platforms that will retain their existing management teams and brand identities. Separately, CD&R-backed OCG a take-private move for Mitie.

Other Notable Developments

In other news, Blackstone, Apollo, and KKR committed $5.34 billion to Williams' power projects, taking a 49% non-controlling interest. Angeles Equity Kyle Huffman as finance VP for its operations group to enhance portfolio company finance organizations. The UK government is also adapting to technological shifts, with the UK's first cabinet-level AI minister and as DSIT was scrapped. Private real estate investors are increasingly turning to recapitalisations to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods amid refinancing pressures and elusive exits the recap wave.