Private Equity 3d Briefing
×Major Deals & Takeovers
BlackRock's GIP pe-insights.com and EQT are in advanced discussions to acquire US power producer AES in a potential $12.4 billion deal. Blackstone pe-insights.com, CVC and Brookfield have submitted preliminary bids valuing Volkswagen's diesel engine unit Everllence at around €8 billion. Searchlight pehub.com and Abry are acquiring IoT company Kore for $726 million at $9.25 per share. Senior pe-insights.com has drawn $1.78 billion in takeover interest with Advent International among potential bidders.
Fundraising & Capital Markets
Carlyle pe-insights.com aims to raise at least $200 billion in inflows by 2028 as its turnaround gains traction. Arcmont pe-insights.com secured €1.62 billion for its complex European private credit strategy. FS KKR Capital Corporation pe-insights.com reported increased troubled loans and lower fourth-quarter performance as it adapts to the shifting private credit landscape. Blackstone's private credit fund pe-insights.com priced a $400 million 2029 bond amid software market volatility.
Portfolio Activity
EQT pehub.com sold its remaining shares in Azelis for €190 million. IOP pehub.com agreed to sell retail fixtures provider Royston to LSI Industries for $320 million. Behrman pehub.com sold Waterline Renewal Technologies to New Mountain-based Azuria. Gemspring-backed Zavation pehub.com acquired Choice Spine to expand its spinal implant portfolio.
Firm Leadership & Strategy
Sverica pehub.com promoted Michael Dougherty to partner and Doug Patrican to principal while hiring Matt Johnson as a principal. DPI pehub.com named Sofiane Lahmar as its new CEO after he served as a senior partner since 2010. Cavu pehub.com promoted Jared Jacobs to managing partner after he joined in 2017. Encore pehub.com elevated Paul Rivenburgh to managing director following his 2016 associate role.
Sector Trends & Market Analysis
Clearlake's José E. Feliciano pehub.com warned that doing buyouts of software businesses is "probably a four-letter word" in the current environment. Calpers pe-insights.com remains confident in its $1.8 trillion private credit exposure despite rising AI-driven software risks. Plaid pe-insights.com returned to an $8 billion valuation in an employee liquidity funding round. Kinderhook pehub.com, Renovus and Revelstoke are pursuing investments in the growing hospice care market.
Regional & Industry Focus
Advent International pe-insights.com finalized its acquisition of Southeast Europe's fast-growing tbi bank after receiving regulatory clearance. Saudi Arabia's AI boom pe-insights.com is drawing buyout interest as Quantum Switch Tamasuk explores strategic options including a potential sale. Toyota pe-insights.com plans to unwind approximately ¥3 trillion in strategic shareholdings held by banks as part of its reform drive.
Secondaries & GP-Led Activity
The GP-led credit market secondariesinvestor.com is exploring different deal and return opportunities as growth continues, with alignment between GPs and investors supporting performance. CPP Investments secondariesinvestor.com will consider secondaries sales to "trim older exposure" while targeting C$20 billion in private equity deployment this year.
Professional Services & Consulting
Multiple PE-backed Zenex Animal Health pehub.com acquired Netherlands-based Vieve Pharm, recognized for its expertise in phytogenic formulations for livestock, equine, and pet care markets. Renovus-backed SolomonEdwards pehub.com acquired consulting and recruiting firm CFO's Domain. Tonka Bay pehub.com backed home services marketing platform Camp Digital, with founder Katie Donovan continuing to lead the company.
Infrastructure & Energy
Bridgepoint pehub.com invested in Gold State Music to support building and scaling music-oriented businesses. Terminus pehub.com invested in fintech firm Eventus, which will increase investment in product innovation and platform capabilities under majority ownership. Trive Capital pehub.com invested in Rolfson Oil, which subsequently acquired Flint Logistics Group.
Fundraising & LP Activity
Fund Friday pe-insights.com highlighted top fundraising news in private equity, including FS KKR Capital Corporation's performance updates. La Caisse pe-insights.com grew to $378 billion after generating a 9.3% overall return in 2025 despite private equity headwinds. Insight Equity pehub.com acquired aerosol products maker IKI, serving consumer and professional products companies.
Strategic Partnerships
Apollo pe-insights.com and BNP Paribas are close to finalizing a partnership to originate European private credit deals. Oaktree pe-insights.com is exploring $2.7 billion exit options for UK wealth manager Utmost, including a potential sale or London IPO. Wise Equity pehub.com invested in vending machine manufacturer FAS International, which closed 2025 with revenues exceeding €58 million and EBITDA margin above 20 percent."