Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 23, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Mega-Fund Raises and Large Transactions Dominate Deal Flow

Blackstone is set to divest its battery storage developer, Aypa Power, to Brookfield in a $7bn transaction, encompassing operating, under-construction, and contracted projects alongside the developer's platform. Concurrently, Blackstone's latest flagship fundraise has surpassed the $14bn mark. In another significant acquisition, Matador Resources Company has agreed to purchase EnCap-backed Paloma Permian for nearly $1.3bn, including undeveloped acreage in the Woodford play. Ridgewood Infrastructure-backed MN8 is acquiring power producer Greenbacker for $375m, adding to its portfolio of energy assets.

Secondaries Market Activity and Investor Sentiment

The secondaries market is experiencing robust growth, with Step Stone's venture capital secondaries fund exceeding $1bn, attracting significant LP interest, including a $50m commitment from Ohio's public school employees' pension. Private real estate managers are actively leveraging secondaries, with continuation vehicles signaling a shift away from their past reputation as a distress-driven strategy. Meanwhile, divisions persist regarding the appropriate use of leverage in continuation funds, despite growing acceptance from lenders and buyers. Nordic Capital plans to sell its life sciences software provider, Aris Global, which serves numerous pharmaceutical, biotech, and regulatory entities.

Sector-Specific Investments and Strategic Acquisitions

Decathlon has invested in health tech firm Health Endeavors, led by CEO David Derrick. New Spring-backed Vybe Urgent Care has expanded its footprint by acquiring two Liberty Urgent Care centers in the Philadelphia area. Tocqueville Asset Management secured growth capital from Leon Financial Network to foster long-term enterprise value. Nazca Capital has acquired Madrid Artes Digitales, a company specializing in immersive cultural experiences. Oaktree-backed GA Group has purchased Trampe Settles, a family law litigation support firm. Tinicum is backing specialty chemicals distributor Graco Roberts, previously supported by CM Equity Partners. Vesterra Capital has acquired PHFM, establishing it as an independent facilities maintenance provider. Coalesce Capital has invested in cybersecurity provider Worksheet, amidst growing cybersecurity challenges and regulatory compliance complexities. Fundamental Advisors has acquired aerial services operator Blue Sky Helicopters, which serves utility, government, and public safety clients in the Western US.

Venture Capital and EdTech Funding Rounds

Edtech platform Imagi has raised $4.5m in a seed round, with participation from Brighteye Ventures, Day One Capital, and Will.i.am, to develop tools for teaching coding. Global startup funding has seen 60% of all investment, approximately $320bn, directed towards rounds exceeding $1bn so far this year, underscoring the trend of mega-rounds.

Leadership Changes and Market Dynamics

Epiris has appointed Owen Wilson as managing partner, succeeding Bill Priestley who is set to retire in October 2026. Astorg's co-managing partner, Judith Charpentier, emphasizes that a mid-market focus can maximize exit choices amidst a volatile macroeconomic backdrop and a slightly narrowing valuation gap. Investors at the London Investor Council are cautious, demanding clear differentiation in strategies, particularly concerning AI, defense, and liquidity dynamics, despite an overall risk-on sentiment.

Other Notable Transactions and Investments

Bregal Sagemount is acquiring a majority stake in Luxembourg-based ATOZ Services, an administration and governance provider for private equity, credit, and real estate clients. Valeas Capital Partners is investing in My Pension Expert, marking Palatine's exit after a four-year investment period during which the firm grew to approximately £2bn in assets under administration. IK Partners is selling MDT technologies, a smart building automation component manufacturer, to BU Bregal Unternehmerkapital. Bowmark Capital will become a shareholder in building standard SFG20, whose software platform assists facilities managers and building owners. Camden-backed Triumph Higher Education has acquired the Culinary Institute of Barcelona.