Private Equity 3d Briefing
×Executive Moves & Promotions
Sverica Capital pehub.com promoted Michael Dougherty to partner and Doug Patrican to principal, while also hiring Matt Johnson as a principal. DPI pehub.com appointed Sofiane Lahmar as its new CEO, who has been a senior partner at the firm since 2010.
Fundraising & Fundraising News
FS KKR Capital Corporation pe-insights.com reported increased troubled loans and lower fourth-quarter performance. KKR's $13bn FSK fund pe-insights.com is adapting to the shifting private credit landscape as the market faces mounting pressure.
Major Takeover Bids
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. Senior plc pe-insights.com has drawn $1.78 billion in takeover interest from multiple suitors, including Advent International. Volkswagen AG pe-insights.com received preliminary bids valuing its diesel engine unit Everllence at around €8 billion from Blackstone, CVC, and Brookfield.
Platform Acquisitions
Falfurrias-backed Woven Solutions pehub.com acquired government consultancy Valence, a Reston, Virginia-based provider of software for the national security community. Multiples PE-backed Zenex Animal Health pehub.com picked up Netherlands-based Vieve Pharm, recognized for its expertise in phytogenic formulations for livestock, equine, and pet care markets. 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.
Take-Private Transactions
Searchlight and Abry Partners pehub.com agreed to take IoT company Kore private for $726 million at $9.25 per share for all issued and outstanding shares not already owned by them.
Regional Expansion
Advent International pe-insights.com finalized its acquisition of Southeast Europe's fast-growing tbi bank after receiving regulatory clearance from European authorities. The Saudi AI boom is drawing buyout interest as Quantum Switch Tamasuk explores strategic options, including a potential sale of its Saudi operations.
Industry Trends & Commentary
PE Hub's NEXUS conference pehub.com highlighted key takeaways including the "Goldman handful" phenomenon and zombie apocalypse concerns in the private equity landscape. PE Hub's analysis pehub.com shows Kinderhook, Renovus, and Revelstoke among firms pursuing investments in the growing hospice care market.
Leadership Changes
Astorg's mid-cap co-head Edouard Pillot pehub.com is leaving the firm, with Lionel de Posson, his fellow co-head, taking sole control of the team.
Market Analysis
California Public Employees' Retirement System (Calpers) pe-insights.com remains confident in its private credit exposure despite rising AI-driven software risks in the $1.8 trillion private credit market. Blackstone's private credit fund pe-insights.com priced a $400 million 2029 bond amid ongoing software volatility. The Financial Times ft.com analyzed how business development company FSK's latest filings offer a look at unraveling buyout deals, explaining private equity's mounting problems in one blow-up scenario.