Private Equity 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 2:06 PM ET
Fundraising & Capital Markets
Investcorp closed its second North American private equity fund on $1.22bn, surpassing its target. Ares Management raised $4.2bn for its debut GP solutions fund, more than quadrupling its initial goal. Dig Ventures secured $120m to back European AI infrastructure startups. Homeward raised $120M to help homeowners buy before selling, as the housing market stalls. Nubank halted acquisition talks with Monzo after the UK digital bank’s sales plunged.
Dealmaking: Technology & Platforms
Trading Technologies, backed by Thoma Bravo and 7Ridge, acquired equities trading platform TRAFiX, founded in 2014 and based in Mineola, New York. Bridgepoint-backed Analysys Mason picked up Swedish AI consultancy Modulai, which has about 35 engineers. LFM Capital’s Sis Tech acquired avionics electronics maker Alta Data Technologies, founded in 2007 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Pophouse Entertainment struck a deal for a 50% stake in Sia’s music rights, as the singer has earned nine Grammy nominations.
Defense & Aerospace
Blackstone launched Falcata, a US defense technology platform, by inking deals for TSC and ASEI. The combined company will develop sensing, guidance, navigation and control technology. Antin acquired a majority stake in HP Helicopters, a Redlands, California-based aerial firefighting firm providing heavy-lift services.
Consumer & Retail
H.I.G. Capital sold Italian beauty retailer Pinalli to Borletti Group; Pinalli runs 108 stores and generated €197 million of revenue. Centre Partners’ Nearly Natural acquired 3D-printed planter maker Modernized Pottery. Blue Point Capital’s Weaver Brands acquired equine grooming product maker Shapley’s, founded in 1938 in Fort Myers, Florida. Manna Tree took a majority stake in Los Angeles creative agency Zambezi, marking its 20th anniversary.
Industrial & Business Services
KKR completed its majority stake deal for Thomson Reuters’ print business, now operating as Westbridge Print, serving legal and tax professionals. The carve-out was finalized as Westbridge Print goes independent. Sterling Group and Point 41 Capital backed garage door demand, as homeowners aim to increase property value. Private equity invests in garage door businesses with five standout deals. Riverside’s DAWGS bolted on Empty Building Security in its second add-on. Arcus agreed to buy SK Pharma from Syz Capital and Saturnus Capital; the Bielefeld-based company runs eight temperature-controlled warehouses.
Financial Services & Insurance
Lovell Minnick’s Warner Pacific struck a deal for California general agency Beere&Purves, founded in 1929 and headquartered in Walnut Creek. VSS Capital Partners hired former World Bank adviser Otilia Ciotau for an AI role. Abry Partners hired Advent’s Yusef Kassim to lead investor relations. Eurazeo opened its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM.
European & Nordic Deals
Ambienta built a sustainable Nordic aquaculture tech platform with four acquisitions: Bio Marine, FLS, Smir and Gro Aqua. HIG exited Italian beauty and personal care retailer Pinalli, while Ambienta bought four aquaculture businesses. Borletti Group put on a new face with the Pinalli buyout from H.I.G.
IPO & Public Markets Outlook
The IPO window is opening selectively; readiness will decide who gets through in 2026. Nuclear startup funding is up, with over $6 billion invested so far in 2026, despite a bearish public markets turn.
People & Talent
Harry Stebbings said he regrets the 996 work culture in many ways. A Factory CEO accused his VC board adviser of spying for Cognition. A Neko Health investor discussed the $700M bet to scan your whole body.
LP & Fund Performance
Alaska Permanent wrote down the value of 46 alternatives funds, including private equity, private credit and infrastructure vehicles. Middle Ground Capital explored lessons from a hard cycle for industrials. IVEST and Cloverlay’s early exit from the Care Bears brand after three years was detailed.
Operational Excellence & Strategy
What makes the operating partner of the future? Four challenges face operating partners in today’s difficult macro environment. Why modern OPs need initial impact and AI and tech know-how. EFESO finds a repeatable route to alpha. KPMG on the race for operational alpha. The consumer sector is too big to ignore, says 3i. A roundtable discussed the art of a successful co-investment. Download PEI’s 2026 Operational Excellence report.
European Market Insights
A side letter profiled a European PE stalwart. A deep dive explored how one European mid-market specialist plays the long game. Wellness marketplace Healf topped Sifted’s ranking of 250 fastest-growing startups in Europe. Sifted Summit day one dispatched news that the EU scaleup fund opens to UK firms.