Private Equity 3d Briefing
×Major Deals & Takeovers
BlackRock's GIP and EQT pe-insights.com are in advanced discussions to acquire US power producer AES in a potential $12.4 billion deal. Volkswagen AG pe-insights.com has received preliminary bids valuing its diesel engine unit Everllence at around €8 billion, with Blackstone, CVC, and Brookfield among the suitors. Senior plc pe-insights.com has drawn $1.78 billion in takeover interest, with Advent International among five potential bidders. Kore pehub.com is going private in a $726 million deal led by Searchlight Capital and Abry Partners, which will acquire all outstanding shares at $9.25 per share.
Fundraising & Capital Markets
Carlyle Group pe-insights.com expects to raise at least $200 billion in inflows by the end of 2028 as its turnaround gains traction. Arcmont Asset Management pe-insights.com has completed the final close of Capital Solutions Fund II, securing $1.62 billion for its European private credit strategy. FS KKR Capital Corporation pe-insights.com reported an increase in troubled loans and lower fourth-quarter performance amid the shifting private credit landscape. Blackstone pe-insights.com has priced a $400 million 2029 bond through its private credit fund amid ongoing software sector volatility.
Portfolio Activity & Exits
EQT pehub.com has sold its remaining shares in Azelis for €190 million, completing its exit from the specialty chemicals and food ingredients service provider. Behrman Capital pehub.com has sold Waterline Renewal Technologies to New Mountain-based Azuria, with Waterline's brands including Perma-Liner and APM. IOP pehub.com is selling retail fixtures provider Royston to LSI Industries for $320 million, with the transaction expected to close in LSI's third quarter of fiscal 2026.
Leadership Changes & Strategy
Sverica Capital pehub.com has promoted Michael Dougherty to partner and Doug Patrican to principal, while also hiring Matt Johnson as a principal. DPI pehub.com has named Sofiane Lahmar as its new CEO, with Lahmar serving as a senior partner since joining in 2010. Cavu pehub.com has promoted Jared Jacobs to managing partner, with Jacobs having joined the firm in 2017. Encore pehub.com has elevated Paul Rivenburgh to managing director, following his 2016 arrival as an associate.
Sector Focus & Market Trends
Clearlake's José E. Feliciano pehub.com warned that "doing a buyout of a software business or a take-private of a software business right now is probably a four-letter word" amid AI disruption concerns. California Public Employees' Retirement System pe-insights.com remains confident in its $1.8 trillion private credit market exposure despite rising AI-driven software risks. The GP-led credit market secondariesinvestor.com is exploring different deal and return opportunities as growth continues, with alignment between GPs and investors seen as crucial for performance.
Regional & Industry Developments
Advent International pe-insights.com has finalized its acquisition of Southeast Europe's fast-growing tbi bank after receiving regulatory clearance from European authorities. The Saudi AI boom pe-insights.com is drawing buyout interest as Quantum Switch Tamasuk evaluates strategic options including a potential sale of its Saudi operations. Kinderhook, Renovus, and Revelstoke pehub.com are among private equity firms pursuing investments in the hospice care market, with five deals recently completed. Insight Equity pehub.com has acquired aerosol products maker IKI, which serves consumer and professional products companies.
Secondaries & Alternative Strategies
Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec pe-insights.com grew to $378 billion after generating a 9.3% overall return in 2025 despite private equity headwinds. CPP Investments secondariesinvestor.com will consider secondaries sales to "trim older exposure" while aiming to deploy about C$20 billion into private equity this year. The secondaries market secondariesinvestor.com is preparing for 2026 with expectations of increased LP selling and a new normal for continuation vehicles, according to attendees at PEI Group's NEXUS 2026 conference.
Platform Building & Add-Ons
Falfurrias-backed Woven Solutions pehub.com has acquired government consultancy Valence, expanding its software offerings for the national security community. Renovus-backed SolomonEdwards pehub.com has snapped up consulting and recruiting firm CFO's Domain, strengthening its professional services platform. Multiples PE-backed Zenex Animal Health pehub.com has picked up Netherlands-based Vieve Pharm, recognized for its expertise in phytogenic formulations for livestock, equine, and pet care markets. Trive Capital pehub.com has invested in Rolfson Oil, which subsequently acquired Flint Logistics Group, an Oklahoma City-based provider of fuel, oils, and lubricants.
New Investments & Growth Capital
Wise Equity pehub.com is investing in vending machine manufacturer FAS International, which closed 2025 with revenues exceeding €58 million and an EBITDA margin above 20 percent. Tonka Bay pehub.com has backed home services marketing platform Camp Digital, with founder Katie Donovan and COO Meg Stapleton continuing to lead the company. Bridgepoint pehub.com has invested in Gold State Music, with capital supporting a dedicated investment program focused on building and scaling music-oriented businesses. Terminus pehub.com has taken a majority stake in fintech firm Eventus, which will increase investment in product innovation and platform capabilities under the new ownership.