Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Capital Markets

Clearlake Capital has closed its eighth flagship fund at $14.8 billion, with artificial intelligence a significant focus for deployment. Early-stage investor Seedcamp also announced a $320 million raise across two funds, marking an expansion of its U.S. presence after nearly two decades of European focus Seedcamp. The firm's latest fundraising brings its assets under management to $1 billion Seedcamp. In the secondaries market, INVL Family Office launched a private equity secondaries fund in partnership with Adams Street Partners, providing clients access to the global secondary market. Swedish insurer LF is also exploring moves into private debt secondaries, following a trend among European insurers seeking to diversify illiquid credit portfolios.

Deal Activity & Investments

Flexstone Partners, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, has agreed to acquire Glouston Capital Partners, a Boston-based specialist in secondaries, to form a $15 billion private markets platform. In the UK, Investcorp is acquiring a majority stake in facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions in a deal valued at over $200 million Investcorp. LDC has invested in Nu-Style Products, a manufacturer and supplier of laminate wall panels. Meanwhile, Greybull Stewardship has acquired Genesys Industries, uniting three American manufacturing brands—Avia Marine Company, Latrobe Foundry, and Sterner Screw Machine—under a single platform. In the architecture and engineering sector, Signal Hill is backing the launch of Aeterna Group, formed by the consolidation of five existing firms.

Sector Focus & Trends

Private equity firms are showing increased interest in the laundry services sector, with companies like The Sterling Group, Cornell Capital, and Surge Private Equity among those investing. This sector is seen as relatively insulated from AI disruption Laundry services. In defense, Mérieux noted that private capital is "keen" to participate in UK defense plans, and AI is accelerating drug discovery by enabling faster screening of compounds Mérieux. Advent International-backed Cobham Ultra Group is set to sell its defense technology business, Ultra Mission Solutions, to Booz Allen for $720 million. Robotics startups are experiencing a surge in venture funding, raising $18.8 billion globally so far in 2026, surpassing the previous peak year of 2025 Robotics Startups. The next generation of software is expected to be AI-native and industry-specific, with vertical AI companies possessing deep domain expertise poised for significant growth Saa S Isn't Coming Back.

Fund Performance & Investor Concerns

Apollo Global Management's flagship retail credit fund is meeting only 5% of redemption requests, as exits have reached 17% of its portfolio. Limited partners (LPs) are increasingly concerned about tail-end assets within private equity funds, with Virginia's $134 billion state pension system specifically flagging worries about GP selection Side Letter. The issue of "zombie funds"—vehicles holding assets long past their expected term—persists, with investors anticipating a rise in such entities amid liquidity pressures and challenges for GPs in differentiating themselves Zombie Fund Problem. Furthermore, approximately 40% of LPs expect continued growth in certain investment activities even as exits improve, with some adopting more concentrated strategies in specific market segments LP CV Activity.

Corporate Actions & Exits

TPG Capital is exiting its investment in Australian drinks and dairy producer Made Group, agreeing to sell the business to Danone for $1.4 billion. MBK Partners's Godiva Japan is seeking an extension on a $464 million buyout loan, indicating potential strain in servicing its leveraged debt. In a significant takeover bid, Castlelake has taken its $6.3 billion proposal for easy Jet directly to shareholders after the airline's board rejected three previous approaches Castlelake. Brookfield Asset Management is seeking a A$750 million ($525 loan to fund a dividend recapitalization for its Australian lender La Trobe Financial and refinance existing debt.

Valuations & Funding Rounds

Data analytics company AppsFlyer is reportedly seeking to go public, having secured over $1 billion in a Series E funding round that values the company at $2.7 billion. In a notable crowdfunding effort, fintech founders successfully raised €8 million in under an hour Crowdfunded €8m. On the AI front, Tandem Health's CEO stated the company is not dependent on major AI providers like OpenAI or Anthropic Tandem Health, while European efforts are underway to build domestic AI infrastructure by potentially scrapping non-compete clauses Europe AI Muscles. Unlikely AI, however, is facing strategic shakeups and senior staff departures amid widening losses Unlikely AI Losses.