Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

AI & Technology Investments

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a significant draw for private equity, with Abu Dhabi's MGX raising nearly $50 billion for AI infrastructure and technology, positioning it as one of the largest AI funds ever. In a similar vein, venture capital firm Menlo Ventures secured $3 billion across two new funds, the largest capital raise in its 50-year history, primarily to back AI startups from seed through growth stages. This follows Menlo's successful $750 million bet on Anthropic, which has solidified their reputation as an AI investor. Separately, Seedcamp closed $320 million across two funds, expanding its US footprint after years of focusing on Europe. The firm's latest capital raise, which brings its Assets Under Management to $1 billion, will target seed-stage startups. Meanwhile, Visionaries general partner Judith Dada has joined AI startup Langdock as co-CEO, signaling a deeper integration of VC talent into the operational leadership of AI companies.

Fundraising & Capital Deployment

The private equity fundraising environment shows continued strength, particularly in specialized areas. Clearlake Capital successfully closed its eighth flagship fund at $14.8 billion, with a stated focus on artificial intelligence. On the debt side, Allianz Global Investors held the first close of its third Asia Pacific private credit fund, securing $744 million in commitments for its Allianz Asia Pacific Secured Lending Fund III. The broader fund finance market is experiencing acceleration, with increased institutional investor appetite, improved liquidity, and the proliferation of bespoke structures reshaping the toolkit. In the UK, the British Business Bank is backing 10 venture capital funds with a £90 million allocation and is also eyeing a stake in the EU's €5 billion Scaleup Fund as it looks to bolster European growth.

M&A Activity & Sector Focus

Private equity firms are actively pursuing acquisitions across diverse sectors. LightBay Capital is backing IT managed services provider Centre Technologies, which serves over 750 clients in Texas and Oklahoma. In the healthcare technology space, Chicago Pacific Founders has invested in Attune, aiming to accelerate its platform roadmap and expand omnichannel capabilities. The automotive sector also saw activity, with One Equity-backed PGW acquiring automotive glass firm Windshield Surgeons. In a significant transaction, Ara Partners is selling advanced magnetics company Vacuumschmelze to Energy Fuels for $1.9 billion. The live events sector is experiencing a surge of private equity interest, with firms like Apollo, Hellman & Friedman, and Platinum Equity investing in the space, which is projected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2032.

Buyouts & Exits

Several major buyouts and exits are underway. Providence Equity Partners is in exclusive talks to sell theatre group ATG Entertainment to Ari Emanuel's Mari Group for £4.5 billion ($6 . In a strategic move, Platinum Equity is reportedly the sole bidder for Nestlé's water business after another suitor exited the auction. Conversely, CVC Capital Partners is weighing a €6 billion exit from Cooper Consumer Health, with Cap Vest-owned Stada emerging as a potential buyer. TPG Capital is exiting Australian drinks producer Made Group in a $1.4 billion sale to Danone. In other divestitures, Acorn Capital is selling Berry Aviation for $105 million to Bristow Group, and Advent-backed Cobham Ultra Group is selling its defense tech business to Booz Allen for $720 million.

European Tech & Startups

Europe's technology sector is seeing renewed investment and strategic shifts. Dutch manager Main Capital is opening a London office after raising €5.25 billion, focusing on "mission-critical companies" less affected by AI volatility. The continent is also doubling down on its own AI infrastructure, with a focus on controlling the entire AI stack. The region is also witnessing substantial funding rounds, with drones startup Stark confirming a €500 million raise backed by Sequoia and Founders Fund, and the car subscription company Finn achieving unicorn status in Germany. European investors are also eyeing opportunities in the nuclear energy sector amid a "massive scramble" for sovereign energy solutions reflecting a shift in priorities.

Fund Finance & Secondaries Market

The fund finance landscape is evolving into a more comprehensive toolkit, driven by increased institutional appetite and liquidity as discussed at an FFA conference. In the secondaries market, Pantheon's infrastructure secondaries funds have surpassed targets, with its latest flagship ranking among the largest in the sector. Investors are also showing interest in private debt secondaries, with Swedish insurer LF exploring this avenue to diversify its illiquid credit portfolio. Meanwhile, INVL Family Office has launched a private equity secondaries fund in partnership with Adams Street Partners, offering clients access to the global secondary market. Investors are also increasingly concerned about "zombie funds," or tail-end vehicles holding underperforming assets, amid ongoing liquidity pressures and difficulties in GP differentiation raising LP anxieties.

Specific Deal Activity

Private equity firms have been active in a range of niche markets. HiGro Group-backed Daida has acquired intelligent document processing firm Scan-Optics, bolstering its business process services and document digitization offerings. In the managed services sector, LightBay Capital is backing Centre Technologies, a Texas-based IT provider. Health tech continues to attract investment, with Chicago Pacific Founders investing in Attune to expand its platform. In the automotive replacement glass distribution sector, One Equity-backed PGW has acquired Windshield Surgeons. The logistics sector saw Quad-C invest in Armstrong Transport Group, with management retaining significant ownership.

Sports & Entertainment Investments

Private equity is making significant inroads into the sports and entertainment industries. Juggernaut Capital Partners is teaming up with Gareth Bale to pursue a controlling stake in a football club, with plans to expand into golf and women's sports. KKR-owned Arctos Partners is backing a $288 million stadium district development in college sports, part of its broader strategy in professional sports franchises. The live events sector continues to draw attention, with Apollo, Hellman & Friedman, and Platinum Equity investing in the burgeoning market, which is expected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2032.

Fundraising and Firm Moves

Beyond the large AI-focused funds, other firms are also active in capital raising. Valor Equity Partners is looking to raise a $2.5 billion Fund VII, with new details emerging about its latest capital raise. In personnel news, TPG has appointed Axel André as partner and CFO, with Jack Weingart transitioning to lead the firm's growing private wealth business. HIG Capital has appointed Carlos Couret as managing director, who will also head its lower mid-market private equity operations in Spain.

Sector-Specific Investments

Private equity continues to find opportunities in specialized sectors. Huron Capital-backed Exigent has acquired mechanical contractor Superior Building Services, expanding its HVAC and plumbing services. In the government technology sector, ACP-backed Schneider Geospatial has acquired New England GeoSystems, strengthening its GIS-based Saa S solutions. New Mountain has invested in engineering firm RRC Companies, appointing a new chairman. The laundry services sector is attracting multiple private equity firms, including The Sterling Group, Cornell Capital, and HIG Capital, due to its perceived low risk of AI disruption.