Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: May 4, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Exits

Private equity activity saw several strategic transactions across sectors, including a significant healthcare buyout and multiple add-on acquisitions in technology and consulting. ArchiMed announced plans to take Esperion Therapeutics private in an $1.1bn deal, with closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. In the consulting space, Grovecourt-backed Traffic & Mobility Consultants acquired Chindalur Traffic Solutions, bolstering the Florida-based engineering firm’s capabilities in transportation planning. Simultaneously, Riata Capital-backed COEO Solutions expanded its footprint by snapping up S-NET Communications, a managed tech provider specializing in cloud and network services for multi-location mid-market enterprises. On the exit front, SK Capital successfully divested its stake in Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances Inc. to Turpaz Industries Ltd..

Financial Services & Asset Management Transactions

The wealth and asset management sector featured notable investments and divestitures over the period. AnaCap completed the sale of its French private bank, Milleis Group, to LCL and Crédit Agricole Assurances; this transaction included Milleis Banque and its subsidiaries focused on asset management and private banking. Elsewhere, Searchlight prepared to invest in the B2B events firm CloserStill Media, which is currently held by Providence Equity Partners. Furthermore, Integrum joined previous backers Lightyear and Ontario Teachers’ in making a new equity investment into wealth management advisor Allworth Financial, suggesting continued confidence in the sector's advisory model.

Firm Launches & AI Investment Trends

The industry saw the formal launch of a new major player while investment focus sharpened on artificial intelligence infrastructure. Mako officially rolled out as a new private equity firm, co-founded by former United Airlines chairman and CEO Oscar Munoz. In technology investment, TPG observed that the shift in AI strategy from a "defensive to offensive play" is proving to be a "positive weapon" for private equity, evidenced by their software portfolio recording 20% year-on-year growth despite accelerating disruption. Venture capital activity remained concentrated in high-growth areas, with defense technology deals leading the pack; for instance, space security startup True Anomaly secured $600M in a massive funding round, which also included sizable investments in AI applications for fintech and marketing.

Venture Capital Focus: Non-Dilutive Capital & Compute

Venture capital demonstrated a willingness to deploy large sums, sometimes without requiring equity dilution, particularly in consumer tech. DTC brand Musely secured $360M in non-dilutive capital from General Catalyst specifically earmarked to super-charge customer acquisition efforts in skin, hair, and menopause care. Meanwhile, the underlying technology powering these new ventures continues to attract VC scrutiny, with numerous investors focusing on the less visible "boring parts of AI" infrastructure, as exemplified by investment partner Nicolas Sauvage’s portfolio assembled since 2019. This focus on essential compute and infrastructure underpins the European approach, where VCs are reportedly "zagging on AI while Silicon Valley zigs" according to market observers Sifted.