Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:35 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Valuations

Private equity firms are actively pursuing opportunities in the nutraceuticals sector, with multiple deal announcements highlighting the trend. Butterfly Equity, Graham Partners, and Wise Equity are among those targeting nutraceutical assets, as indicated by reports on seven key transactions in the space. Separately, Astorg is reportedly nearing a $1 billion carve-out of Thermo Fisher Scientific's microbiology business, driven by demand for antimicrobial testing. In another significant transaction, Providence Equity has agreed to acquire Hometrack, a provider of property valuation and risk data to mortgage lenders in the UK and Netherlands. Wolf-Gordon, backed by Charger, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring two interior surfaces providers: Andor Willow and Walls & Interiors. Furthermore, Bernhard-backed Optimum Energy has strengthened its position by acquiring Hussung Mechanical Contractors and HMC Service Company, which serve critical facilities like healthcare systems and manufacturers.

Infrastructure and Technology Investments

The demand for AI infrastructure is fueling deal momentum in the engineering sector. In a notable infrastructure deal, CVC DIF, the infrastructure arm of CVC, has agreed to acquire a significant majority stake in firstcolo, a German colocation data center operator, from Cube Infrastructure. This move underscores the growing importance of data center capacity. Separately, Mistral AI has secured backing from major technology players, including ASML and Amadeus, to support its data center buildout. In the software space, Silver Lake is reportedly in discussions to take Workday private, a deal that could rank among the largest software buyouts ever.

Fundraising and Investor Activity

Investor intentions reveal ongoing demand for specialized private equity strategies. The Weymouth Retirement Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking private equity co-investment managers. In the secondaries market, New 2ND Capital's Fund IV is nearing its target of $1.25 billion and has already closed on its first deal. Meanwhile, Hollyport Capital has opted to remain independent, securing backing from Blue Owl in a move that acknowledges the growth potential in the GP stakes sector.

Global Market Trends and Valuations

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is shifting its strategy towards value realization and is actively courting private capital for its next phase of development, with a focus on active ownership. In contrast, the private equity portfolio of La Caisse experienced a decline of 4.3% in the first half of 2026, significantly underperforming a benchmark that gained 8.0%, a disparity attributed to the AI rally benefiting public markets. The broader market has seen a surge in new unicorns, with 40 companies joining the Unicorn Board in July, the highest count in four years. Sectors leading this growth include financial services, robotics, AI orchestration, and semiconductors. In Europe, private credit heavyweights are reportedly circling a €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) non-performing loan package being sold by Italy's BFF Bank, with Pimco and Pollen Street among the potential suitors.

European Startup Ecosystem and Challenges

London continues to be a hub for founders and venture capitalists, with a variety of meetups fostering connections within the startup ecosystem. In the drone industry, VCs are identifying 10 drone startups to watch in 2026. However, the European fintech sector faces broader challenges, with reports highlighting a significant culture problem within the industry. Despite these challenges, the continent's public funds remain active, with the top 30 European public funds showing significant engagement in the first half of 2026. Northern Gritstone, a UK-based spinout investor, is expanding its global reach by planning to open a San Francisco office.

Strategic Acquisitions and Fund Performance

EQT and Digital Garage have increased their tender offer for Kakaku.com to ¥3,570 per share, approximately $22.40, in an effort to outmaneuver a competing bid. This strategic move reflects the dynamic nature of acquisitions in the current market. The broader private equity landscape is being analyzed, with insights into mid-year market trends suggesting six key areas of development and future outlook.