Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

Private equity firms are actively pursuing strategic acquisitions across diverse sectors, with a notable focus on industrial components and safety services. H.I.G. Capital has acquired Premier Forge Group, a US manufacturer of mission-critical forged components for aerospace and defense. In a similar vein, Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf Coast, a workplace safety firm, expanded its portfolio by acquiring AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting. These moves reflect a broader trend where companies are seeking to consolidate specialized capabilities.

Amidst geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates, the lower mid-market is emerging as an attractive investment arena, according to Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira. Pereira emphasized that operational improvement is a key driver of value creation in this segment, rewarding firms that exhibit cash discipline, pricing power, operational rigor, and leadership maturity. This focus on fundamental operational enhancements offers a more resilient strategy compared to relying solely on market exuberance.

Large-scale acquisitions are also shaping the industry. A JC Flowers-led investor group, including Nowlake Technology, is set to acquire Republic Finance. In the energy sector, San Mateo Midstream plans to acquire EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, focusing on oil and gas infrastructure. Meanwhile, Bridgepoint is significantly expanding its US real estate footprint by agreeing to acquire Kayne Anderson Real Estate for approximately $1.39 billion, which manages around $22 billion in assets.

The food ingredients sector is also seeing significant private equity activity. CVC Capital Partners is acquiring Irca, an Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer, from Advent through its Fund IX. This deal follows a period where Irca’s revenue quadrupled, indicating strong growth potential that CVC aims to leverage.

Fundraising & Investor Sentiment

Private equity firms are navigating a complex fundraising environment, with a growing appetite for specialized funds and a continued interest in robust operational strategies. Some of private equity’s largest investors, including CalPERS, IMAS Foundation and Aware Super, are sharing their preferred reading and podcast recommendations for the summer, suggesting a focus on knowledge acquisition and strategic insights.

The data indicates a resurgence in significant startup exits. Crunchbase data reveals that the second quarter of 2026 saw the most billion-dollar startup exits since the 2021 market peak. This trend suggests a more favorable exit environment, particularly for companies in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which are driving substantial funding rounds and mega-deals.

Fundraising for large-scale funds, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence, is showing strong momentum. MGX is raising close to $50 billion for what is poised to be one of the largest AI funds ever established. Berlin’s Peec AI is also reportedly targeting a $200 million valuation in its new fundraise. These figures underscore the intense investor interest in AI technologies.

Sector-Specific Trends & Global Markets

The private equity landscape is also being shaped by evolving investment themes, including defense politics, technology ecosystems, and strategic advisory roles. Political considerations are beginning to impact defense strategies for private equity firms, introducing complexities into deal-making and co-investment opportunities within the sector.

In technology, Spain is emerging as a dynamic tech ecosystem within Europe a within Europe, while European deeptech investment has reached annual records in just six months. The British Business Bank is set to back UK scaleups with £400 million annually, aiming to bolster the nation's technology sector. One proposed idea for transforming Britain's tech sector centers on a simple yet radical concept.

The venture capital market continues to see significant activity, with AI disruptions influencing investment decisions. Kline Hill is leading a deal for Plaza Ventures’ capital vehicle for a digital advertising company, providing Plaza more time with Stack Adapt amidst ongoing AI advancements.

In talent acquisition and advisory, Strategic Value Partners has appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team, having previously worked at Davidson Kempner. In a unique move, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has joined General Atlantic as a global strategic advisor, signaling the firm’s interest in leveraging high-profile endorsements and strategic guidance. Separately, Investcorp has established a new software engineering platform with Net Rom Software and Trivium eSolutions as its founding businesses, reflecting a growing M&A trend in mental health and neurodiversity sectors.

Fundraising performance is a key indicator for the industry, with the PEI 300 ranking of private equity firms by fundraising volume revealing insights into the sector's comeback. This comes as CPP Investments and Blackstone Credit & Insurance have anchored Element Fleet Management’s funding program, committing to provide flexible financing solutions.