Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 24, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Takeover Activity

Shell's $8bn US chemicals business sale has attracted multiple private equity contenders, with Apollo emerging alongside Exxon Mobil and Lyondell Basell in the race to acquire the assets, according to Financial Times reporting. Apollo joins Exxon and Lyondell in chase for Shell's $8bn US chemicals assets. Meanwhile, Waterland Private Equity is reportedly in discussions to take Gamma Communications private, joining other firms pursuing UK telecoms amid a broader take-private boom. Telecoms in demand amid UK take-private boom as Waterland joins Gamma pursuit.

Fundraising and Investments

Franklin Templeton has closed its debut collateralized fund obligation (CFO), raising $1.5bn from global investors in a vehicle that combines two of its flagship private markets strategies, marking a significant entry into structured private equity financing. American Industrial Partners is aiming higher with an $8bn target for Fund IX, maintaining its core focus on control investing in businesses underpinning the industrial economy. American Industrial Partners aims higher with $8bn target for Fund IX.

Secondary Market Activity

Partners Group is exiting its private credit investment in Gong cha, the Taiwanese bubble-tea chain, after Bain Capital agreed to buy the brand from TA Associates, triggering a full repayment of the private credit facility. Partners Group cashes out of Gong cha as Bain buyout triggers full repayment. MLC Asset Management is betting big on emerging managers, with three-quarters of the asset manager's GP relationships backed as first-time funds, demonstrating confidence in the next generation of private equity talent.

Healthcare Sector Transactions

General Catalyst's Radial has expanded its footprint through an acquisition of Mindful Health Solutions, which operates 21 clinics offering TMS, Spravato and IV ketamine therapy across the western US, strengthening Radial's position in mental health services. General Catalyst's Radial expands with Mindful Health Solutions deal.

Technology and AI Developments

Hugging Face is reportedly in talks for a $13bn sale, as the AI startup platform considers strategic options amid intense competition in the artificial intelligence space. Hugging Face in talks for $13bn sale, reports say. Startups continue to pursue acquisitions rather than internal development, with well-funded companies commonly finding it faster to buy another company than build out certain technologies themselves, particularly in the AI race. Startups Are Still Acquiring Startups, Led By Ultra-High-Valuation Unicorns. VCs have identified 19 startups to watch that are making AI more efficient, reflecting ongoing investor interest in AI optimization technologies. VCs pick out 19 startups to watch making AI more efficient.

Emerging Trends and Analysis

Founders are increasingly using AI to control their IP strategy, leveraging artificial intelligence tools to manage intellectual property protection and monetization more effectively. How founders are using AI to own their IP strategy. Private equity firms are responding to growing cost scrutiny, with industry participants adapting their approaches to address heightened focus on fees, expenses, and operational efficiency. PEI's Data Dive: How PE is responding to growing cost scrutiny. The next generation is reshaping secondaries markets, with one influential LP making significant moves and bracing for its first listed private equity firm. Side Letter: The next generation.

Geographic and Market Intelligence

Fifteen startup hotspots have been identified in Copenhagen, highlighting the city's growing importance as a technology and entrepreneurship hub in the Nordic region. 15 startup hotspots in Copenhagen. Industry experts are exploring the debate between backing the startup jockey versus the horse itself, suggesting a third investment option that may offer better risk-adjusted returns. Do you bet on the startup jockey or horse? Try the third option.