Private Equity 3d Briefing
×Leadership Moves & Firm News
Sverica pehub.com promoted Michael Dougherty to partner and Doug Patrican to principal while hiring Matt Johnson as a principal. DPI named Sofiane Lahmar pehub.com as its new CEO, with Lahmar serving as a senior partner since 2010. Astorg's mid-cap co-head Edouard Pillot will leave the firm pehub.com, with Lionel de Posson taking sole control of the team.
Fundraising & Credit Market
Fund Friday pe-insights.com highlighted top fundraising news in private equity, with FS KKR Capital Corporation reporting increased troubled loans and lower fourth-quarter performance. KKR's $13 billion FSK fund is adapting to the shifting private credit landscape pe-insights.com, while Blackstone's private credit fund priced a $400 million 2029 bond amid software volatility. Calpers pe-insights.com remains confident in its private credit exposure despite rising AI-driven software risks in the $1.8 trillion market.
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. Advent International pe-insights.com is among suitors for Senior plc, which disclosed five takeover offers totaling $1.78 billion. Blackstone, CVC, and Brookfield pe-insights.com submitted preliminary bids valuing Volkswagen's diesel engine unit Everllence at around €8 billion. Advent also sealed its takeover pe-insights.com of Southeast Europe's fast-growing tbi bank after regulatory clearance.
Buyouts & Take-Privates
Searchlight and Abry pehub.com agreed to take IoT company Kore private for $726 million at $9.25 per share. Wise Equity pehub.com will invest in vending machine manufacturer FAS International, which closed 2025 with revenues exceeding €58 million and EBITDA margin above 20 percent.
Add-On 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.
Industry Trends & Events
Private equity is eyeing growth in hospice care platforms pehub.com, with Kinderhook, Renovus, and Revelstoke among firms pursuing investments in the hospice care market. The Saudi AI boom is drawing buyout interest pe-insights.com as Quantum Switch Tamasuk explores strategic options including a potential sale. Meanwhile, FSK's latest filings ft.com offer a stark look at unraveling buyout deals, highlighting private equity's mounting challenges.
Conference Insights
The recent NEXUS conference revealed key takeaways, including the "Goldman handful" phenomenon and concerns about a potential "zombie apocalypse" in the industry, according to PE Hub's coverage pehub.com.