Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:33 AM ET

Dealmaking and Transactions

Private equity firms were active across various sectors in the past 24 hours, with significant transactions announced. Thoma Bravo is set to take the specialty insurance risk exchange platform Accelerant private for more than $4 billion, a deal where Altamont Capital Partners and Accelerant's founders will retain equity stakes. In a separate transaction, Apax is selling its food supply chain logistics provider, Tosca, to Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

Cube Infrastructure is divesting its colocation data center operator, Firstcolo, to CVC DIF. The demand for AI infrastructure is reportedly driving deal momentum in the engineering sector. Bernhard-backed Optimum Energy has acquired Hussung Mechanical Contractors and HMC Service Company, which serves healthcare systems, universities, and mission-critical facilities. Astara Capital has acquired Dynatec, an industrial wastewater treatment firm catering to sectors including food & beverage, automotive, and data centers.

In the technology space, Resurgens Technology Partners has invested in Qarma, a quality compliance platform designed to enhance predictive AI tools. Granite Creek-backed DCG has merged with digital and tech firm Urban Emu, expanding its capabilities. RF Investment Partners has made an investment in RJ Underground, a drilling company serving municipal and utility clients. Braemont Capital is investing in consulting firm Thought Logic to fuel its growth.

Fundraising and Investor Activity

Investors continue to show robust activity in the private markets. EQT and Digital Garage have increased their tender offer for Kakaku.com to ¥3,570 a share, approximately $22.40, surpassing a rival bid. EQT Life Sciences is participating in a $152 million Series B round for Vaderis Therapeutics, contributing $17.5 million to fund rare-disease trials.

Hollyport Capital has secured backing from Blue Owl, opting to remain independent amidst the industry's growth. New 2ND Capital is nearing the close of its flagship fund, Fund IV, which is targeting $1.25 billion and has already closed its first deal. Korea's National Pension Service (NPS) is increasing its exposure to secondaries, adding another $1 billion, bringing its total in secondary funds and co-investments to approximately $3.7 billion. The NPS has also reported a 12% rise in its private equity assets under management, although overall growth in the PE sector is slowing.

Blackstone is exploring an expanded presence in the U.S. retirement market, considering the integration of private markets into target-date funds and managed accounts. This move could leverage the long investment horizons of defined contribution plans. Bank of America has agreed to invest up to $1.9 billion for a nearly 50% stake in Jio Credit, the lending arm of Jio Financial Services, signaling a significant bet on the growing lending sector.

Market Trends and Outlook

The private equity market is navigating several key themes, with a notable focus on valuations and sector-specific opportunities. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying its scrutiny of private fund valuations, with examiners requesting information on specific funds and enforcement actions reportedly increasing.

In the technology and AI sector, demand for AI infrastructure is a significant driver of deal momentum. Startups in areas like AI for construction efficiency are attracting attention, with Trunk Tools, founded by a former carpenter, highlighted as an example of non-tech founders entering the venture funding space. The drone industry also remains a focus for venture capital, with several startups poised for growth in 2026.

Public funds in Europe are also active, with a list of the 30 most active public funds in H1 2026 indicating significant investor deployment. Investors are increasingly shifting their focus towards local economy themes within private equity. Discussions around the market's hottest topics are ongoing, with six key areas of the private equity market under review for their development and future prospects. London is also a hub for founders and VCs, with meetups designed to foster connections and drive investment.

Silver Lake and DigitalBridge are reportedly considering a $100 billion IPO or sale of Vantage Data Centers, a significant move in the hyperscale data center market. Separately, New Mountain is making a play in the fire safety sector with its acquisition of Jensen Hughes.