Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Fundraising Momentum Continues Across Private Markets

Blue Owl reached $10.6bn for its latest GP stakes fund, with the vehicle expected to close this year. CVC aims Q3 on its sixth secondaries fund, having already raised $9.3bn for the vehicle, and is also planning its first infrastructure secondaries fund. Savano closed an oversubscribed direct secondaries fund that has already made 12 investments. Brookfield held a $2bn first close on its Middle East buyout fund, anchored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Cleantech and AI Drive Significant Investment Rounds

Battery storage startup Antora in one of the year's largest cleantech rounds, with the capital earmarked for accelerating large-scale project deployment amidst rising energy demand from AI data centers. The EU scheme focused on AI gigafactories. Health testing platform Function secured $450m from General Catalyst. London-based Inforcer in a Series C round led by Insight Partners, aiming to bolster smaller businesses' preparedness for AI and security risks.

Major Buyouts and Carve-Outs Shape Sector Landscape

Platinum Equity agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Nestlé's waters arm for $3.4bn, forming a new entity named Peranel. KKR and Energy Capital Partners are set to take over DCC in a £5.75bn ($7.78bn) cash takeover, a deal the DCC board has recommended despite shareholder objections. Blackstone is acquiring ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision, while Macquarie is reportedly exploring a sale of its waste-to-energy company, Win Waste. Providence Equity Partners will take full control of THE·TEAM in a buyout of the agency formerly known as Wasserman. Blackstone and Colony IM agreed to buy Accor's 30.7% stake in hotel owner Essendi for up to €975m ($1.12bn). Bain Capital agreed to acquire UK vitamins leader Vitabiotics for approximately £900m ($1.2bn) as part of an international growth strategy.

Secondary Market Activity and Strategic Exits

KKR posted its largest-ever monetisation quarter, realizing $848m in performance income across strategies with exit multiples reaching up to 20x. HIG Capital is selling industrial services firm JT Thorpe to Truelink Capital, having acquired the company in 2022. Hg and EQT are selling Quantios, a Saa S provider for trust and corporate services, to Vista Equity. Open Gate plans carve Knorr-Bremse’s HVAC unit. Dominus is investing in traffic products manufacturer Pelco Solutions, with Pelco's management team remaining significant shareholders. MRC is backing Nexus Power to support its geographic expansion, acquisitions, and team growth. Westbrook Inc. is exploring a sale of its stake in the media company.

Sector Focus and Investment Strategies

TSG Consumer is set to acquire body care brand Saltair, which was previously backed by Prelude Growth Partners. Blackstone’s energy transition group is acquiring Dark Vision, a pipeline inspection provider. In a significant deal for the infrastructure sector, BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners is backing a €1.2bn ($1.38bn) management buyout of Irish Continental Group, led by CEO Eamonn Rothwell. Hamilton Lane is leading a single-asset continuation vehicle for wealth management asset firm Savant Capital Holdings.

Venture Capital Trends and Global Expansion

European venture capitalists the chip rout, suggesting potential opportunities. Startups in Europe internationally from the seed stage. Former NEA partner Vanessa Larco to evaluating startups, emphasizing founder potential and AI leverage. Venture capital firms operator roles, indicating a shift in engagement strategies.