Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Exits

Private equity firms are navigating a complex dealmaking and exit environment, with startup exits valued at $1 billion or more reaching their highest levels since the 2021 peak, according to Crunchbase data. This surge in billion-dollar exits signals a potential thawing in the IPO market, though broader macroeconomic uncertainties persist. In the lower mid-market, operational rigor and cash discipline are proving essential for success, according to Fengate's Jennifer Pereira, suggesting a focus on fundamental value creation.

Infrastructure & Energy

San Mateo Midstream is set to acquire EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, a move that will bolster its position in the oil and gas midstream sector with the acquisition of its infrastructure assets Cardinal Midstream. This transaction highlights continued investment in energy infrastructure, even as the broader energy landscape evolves.

Real Estate & Financial Services

Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire Kayne Anderson Real Estate (KARE), a significant player in property investment with approximately $22 billion in assets under management. The deal, valued at an upfront enterprise value of about $1.39 billion, marks Bridgepoint's entry into the U.S. real estate market and underscores the sector's appeal for large-scale private equity investment Bridgepoint enters US real estate. Separately, CPP Investments and Blackstone Credit have established a strategic relationship with Element Fleet Management, committing to provide flexible funding solutions that will support the company's programmatic needs.

Food Ingredients & Manufacturing

CVC Capital Partners is acquiring Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent. The deal, executed through CVC's Fund IX, follows a period where Irca's revenue quadrupled, indicating strong growth potential in the value-added ingredients sector for pastry, bakery, chocolate, and ice cream markets CVC acquire Irca.

Consumer & Healthcare

L Catterton is exploring the sale of Thorne, a U.S. supplements maker, with potential valuations reaching up to $4 billion. Unilever is reportedly among the interested bidders, signaling robust investor appetite for well-established consumer health brands. In a separate healthcare-related transaction, Bridgepoint is also reportedly acquiring Kayne Anderson Real Estate, a move that also touches on the mental health and neurodiversity M&A space Mental health, neurodiversity M&A.

Technology & Venture Capital

The European deeptech investment landscape is experiencing a record year, with annual investment highs achieved within the first six months European deeptech investment hits. This surge is mirrored in the U.S., where AI continues to drive a spree of megadeals, dominating the largest startup funding rounds, with biotech as the next significant area for investment AI drives another spree. Berlin-based Peec AI is reportedly targeting a $200 million valuation in its latest fundraise, underscoring the intense interest in AI ventures Peec AI targeting $200m. Amidst these developments, Plaza Ventures is working with Kline Hill on a CV for digital advertising company Stack Adapt, aiming to provide the firm more time to navigate AI disruptions, with Plaza's investment considered a high-returning Canadian venture deal.

Fundraising & Investor Strategy

Fundraising for private equity is showing signs of a comeback, according to analysis of the PEI 300 ranking by fundraising volume PEI’s Data Dive. This trend is supported by initiatives like the British Business Bank's commitment to back UK scaleups with £400 million annually British Business Bank. In a notable development, MGX is raising close to $50 billion for what is expected to be one of the largest AI funds ever assembled MGX raises close to $50bn. Public pension funds are also actively planning their private equity allocations, with Ohio STRS setting a pacing plan for up to $1.5 billion in new commitments for fiscal year 2027 Ohio STRS sets private.

Strategic Advisors & Global Reach

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been appointed as a global strategic advisor to private equity firm General Atlantic, a move that signals a growing trend of high-profile individuals lending their expertise to investment firms. Meanwhile, political considerations are impacting defence sector strategies for private equity, with a €1.6 billion European entity seeking co-investment opportunities amidst geopolitical complexities PE grapples defence politics.

Portfolio Company Exits & Growth

JFLCO-backed Doncasters has successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DPC, marking a significant exit for its private equity backers. In other portfolio news, Partners Group-backed SureWerx has acquired Genesi, an Italian provider of safety products for work-at-height and confined spaces, expanding its international footprint. Warburg Pincus is set to acquire Network Plus, a UK-based utility and infrastructure services provider, signaling further consolidation in the essential services sector. Private equity firms are also active in specialized sectors, with deals in radiology attracting Archimed, Grovecourt, and Kain Capital, while Latticework and Edgehill back acquisitions of CDMO brands Radiology deals attract investors.

Market Dynamics & Sector Focus

Spain is emerging as a dynamic tech ecosystem within Europe Spain's dynamic tech ecosystems, contributing to the broader growth in venture capital activity. The focus on operational improvements and value creation, as highlighted by Fengate's Jennifer Pereira, suggests a more mature approach to private equity investment, particularly in the resilient lower mid-market Lower mid-market resilient. While AI dominates headline funding rounds, other sectors such as biotech and specialized industrial services are also seeing significant PE activity.