Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Private Equity Sector Sees Diverse Deal Activity and Strategic Shifts

Private equity firms have been active across various sectors, with recent deals highlighting investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer businesses. Stonepeak and CMA CGM have finalized the formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25% stake completed the formation. HIG Capital acquired infrastructure services and engineering firm Avove, which focuses on regulated water and power markets. In the consumer space, Golub Capital is backing fast-food chain Church’s Texas Chicken, while FEP acquired Australian Planet Fitness franchisee Bravo Fit, exiting Planet Fitness's minority ownership position. AE Industrial Partners appointed Leonard Dollaga as an operating partner to identify investment opportunities in national security sectors, particularly maritime.

Technology and AI Drive Investment and Roll-Up Strategies

The technology sector continues to attract significant private equity interest, particularly in areas leveraging artificial intelligence. AI rollup startup Dwelly has raised $170 million backed by EQT and General Catalyst. Startups at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity have seen substantial seed-stage funding, with over $855 million raised across more than 150 reported rounds this year. In healthcare technology, Riverside-backed Decera Clinical invested in the healthcare knowledge platform Onviv. Throne Science, a startup developing an AI-powered toilet camera for gut health tracking, has secured $10 million in a Series A round led by Will Ventures.

Family Offices Realign Portfolios Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

Family offices are actively adjusting their private equity exposure, with some seeking to reduce illiquidity and optimize costs. Green Bear is tapping into the secondaries market to revamp its portfolio and pare down exposure to illiquid assets. Chief Investment Officer Vishnu Amble also indicated that Green Bear favors separately managed accounts for their cost-efficiency benefits, particularly in light of lower private equity returns. This strategic shift suggests a growing preference for more liquid and cost-effective investment structures among certain family offices.

PE Firms Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Platform Growth

Private equity firms are executing a range of strategic acquisitions to build out their platforms and enter new markets. AIP completed the buyout of material handling firm Intelligrated from Honeywell Technologies. Behrman Capital-backed Micross acquired manufacturer AEMtec, expanding its offerings in high-reliability microelectronic solutions for aerospace, defense, and medical applications. BC Partners has agreed to acquire a co-control stake in Info RLife, a Swiss CDMO specializing in IV infusion bags. Mutares is set to acquire the Free2move car-sharing business from Stellantis, which operates across 14 European and US cities.

European Dealmaking Shows Mixed Outlook and Strategic Focus

The European private equity landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, with valuations and regulatory environments being key considerations. Tower Brook’s Joseph Knoll noted that Europe offers lower multiples but faces a more challenging regulatory environment. He also highlighted that the strongest opportunities lie in business, financial, and healthcare services, where AI can meaningfully improve productivity and customer outcomes. Meanwhile, ECP and KKR have reportedly made offers for DCC Energy. Visionaries is streamlining its investment team to two lead partners for its next fund.

Secondary Market Activity and Firm-Level Developments

The secondary market is seeing activity as investors seek to rebalance portfolios. Step Stone is leading on a £140 million circular for Premier Modular, a modular buildings provider part-owned by MML. In firm-specific news, Asia’s Affinity has experienced significant senior executive departures, with at least nine senior departures since the start of 2023, including four partners in the last 12 months. 9fin completed its first employee share sale following a $170 million raise.