Private Equity 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 15, 2026, 3:31 PM ET
Mega-Deals and Take-Privates
GTCR and Elliott have struck a $6.1bn take-private of CCC Intelligent Solutions, the Chicago-based Saa S and AI platform that connects more than 35,000 businesses. Apollo's £5.7bn bid for easyJet is meeting employee opposition across Europe as the scheme document lands. Mubadala Capital has completed a $6.2bn take-private of Clear Channel Outdoor, expanding its digital billboard and display footprint.
Real Estate and Asset Management
EQT has agreed to acquire Stockbridge, the San Francisco-headquartered real estate investment manager, in a deal worth up to $550m. Separately, Ancora has pressed Big Yellow Group to seek a buyer a year after Blackstone walked away. EQT also expects another 12-15 months of fundraising for its latest flagship, with EQT XI having raised at least €11.5bn of its €23bn target.
Continuation Vehicles and Secondaries
Coller EQT has co-led a single-asset continuation vehicle allowing EMK Capital to double down on VDK Groep, while LGT and Coller EQT together lead the €1.25bn continuation fund for the Netherlands-based technical installation group. Secondaries Investor reports the same syndicate on the large single-asset CV.
Credit and Financing
GTCR has co-led a $200m second lien term loan for Sophos, the Thoma Bravo-owned cybersecurity company. In a commentary piece, Side Letter argues that sponsors are incentivised to hold assets longer, a dynamic that continues to shape exit timing across the market.
Mid-Market Buyouts and Platform Deals
Searchlight's IPS has acquired solar inverter servicer Bold Renewables from Right Lane. Permira's The Knot Worldwide is buying wedding platform Zola, which says more than 2 million couples have used it. Ambienta has taken a majority stake in Energreen from 21 Invest, and 26North has agreed a deal for MEI Industrial Solutions from Olympus Partners. GHK has closed its acquisition of USA Hometown Experts, a Memphis-based home services platform. Buenavista Equity has bought a 71% stake in Tiryaq Medical, the Madrid trauma care group.
Exits and Minority Investments
Abry Partners has sold telecom data business netnumber to TNS. Codex Capital is backing the merger of Any Card, Lifestyle and Savvy to form Norell, a gift card processing and rewards group. PACT Capital Partners has struck a minority stake deal with Sterling Investment Partners. UPMC Enterprises has made a strategic investment in VeloSource, the St Louis locum tenens staffing agency.
Portfolio Add-Ons and Leadership
O2 Investment Partners has invested in Vertical Aerospace through its portfolio company First Class Air, adding repair capabilities. Rotunda's Capital Machine has made its first add-on with the KC Robotics deal. Mason Wells has closed a deal for digital beverage can printer Canworks. Aldaron has launched with a majority stake in Oak Point Partners, a remnant asset buyer. Bow River Capital has named Greg Hiatrides CEO as its founder moves to chairman.
Fundraising Commentary and Venture Crossover
Astorg is offering anchor LPs in its ninth fund a 12% preferred return, a rare move that prompts the question of whether an elevated hurdle rate is sound. Accel is set to lead a $60m round for a Deep Mind alum, as reported exclusively by Sifted. The British Business Bank has committed £180m across six AI funds, including Evantic and EF. Cybersecurity investors deployed $6.8B in the third quarter, mostly in larger rounds, according to Crunchbase News.