Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 11:35 AM ET

Private Equity Sector Sees Significant Deal Activity and Fundraising

Apax Partners from Gerresheimer for €1.5 billion. The combined entities generated approximately €570 million in revenue in 2025 and employ around 2,400 individuals. In a separate infrastructure deal, Bain Capital in the Eaton Fiber platform, aiming to accelerate Verizon's US fiber broadband expansion. Bain Capital was also mentioned in relation to a deal involving AMI, where THL is leveraging an AI strategy. Golub Capital provided backing for the fast-food chain Church's Texas Chicken, which was previously acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard in 2021. Gemspring-backed Key Line has merged with utility services firm Palouse Power. Juniper Capital has exited Andes Coil Processors, marking its 11th exit from 12 investments made since 2017 across four platform companies. Stonepeak and CMA CGM have finalized the formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25% stake, while CMA CGM retains 75% ownership and operational control. Providence has in talent agency The Team to facilitate the acquisition of founder Casey Wasserman's remaining ownership. Riverside-backed Decera Clinical has invested in healthcare knowledge platform Onviv.

AI's Role and Scrutiny in Private Equity

The influence and application of Artificial Intelligence in private equity are under increasing examination. Some market participants express concern that general partners might be overpromising AI's capabilities in driving topline growth, risking underdelivery. Despite this scrutiny, AI continues to be a focus for LPs, with some explicitly stating they are looking for VCs to "keep an AI out" of their investment considerations unless it meets specific criteria, suggesting that the AI label alone may not sway limited partners. Conversely, others believe that the most substantial long-term gains from AI will benefit middle-market technology companies rather than large incumbents or AI-native startups. Providence's Karim Tabet suggested that "AI fatigue" could indirectly benefit live events by highlighting the value of physical scarcity in a digital world. This perspective is echoed by Tabet's view that more sellers are becoming "realistic" on assets that need to be moved, with new opportunities emerging in communications, live events, and education amidst the AI landscape.

Fundraising and Market Dynamics in Real Estate and Secondaries

Secondaries-focused funds continue to attract capital commitments, despite representing only 4% of private real estate fundraising in 2025. This indicates a strong ongoing investor appetite for secondary strategies within the real estate sector. Fox Path disclosed details of its debut credit secondaries fund, following a partnership last year with Reinsurance Group of America to support its future funds and strategy development.

Venture Capital and Startup Funding Landscape

In the venture capital space, a new enterprise sales platform called Centralize emerged from stealth after raising $15 million in a Series A funding round. The company aims to build a "deal GPS" for enterprise sales. Freehand secured $75 million in Series B funding to scale its autonomous AI agents designed to manage supply chain spend and back-office operations for large enterprises. Pliant has reportedly achieved $100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) following its expansion in the US. One of Europe's active limited partners is actively seeking venture capital firms with strong "industrial know-how." Notably, 13 early-stage deeptech startups received backing from Tier 1 VCs in the first half of 2026.

UK Private Equity Activity and Investor Trends

The United Kingdom continues to be a favored market for private equity investors. Global macroeconomic uncertainties are driving more investors towards Europe, with the UK capturing a larger portion of deal activity. This trend highlights the resilience and attractiveness of the UK market amidst broader economic headwinds.