Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

European Dealmaking & Fundraising

Ardian is set to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne, signaling a significant push into the region's digital infrastructure Ardian plans to invest. In the UK, the British Business Bank plans to back scaleups with £400 million annually, aiming to bolster domestic technology firms amid global competition British Business Bank back. Meanwhile, France is reportedly seeking to block the UK's involvement in a €5 billion EU Scaleup Fund, highlighting ongoing geopolitical considerations in European venture capital France seeks block. The broader European deeptech sector has already achieved an annual investment record in the first six months of the year European deeptech investment, suggesting a robust pipeline for future growth.

US Dealmaking & Sector Focus

H.I.G. Capital has acquired the aerospace and defense forging specialist Premier Forge Group, a US manufacturer of mission-critical forged components, from Wynnchurch Capital HIG Capital acquires. Separately, JC Flowers-led investors are set to acquire Republic Finance, with Nowlake Technology also participating in the transaction JC Flowers-led investor group. In the energy sector, San Mateo Midstream is acquiring EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, focusing on infrastructure for oil and gas San Mateo Midstream acquire. Bridgepoint is entering the US real estate market with an acquisition of Kayne Anderson Real Estate for approximately $1.39 billion, adding around $22 billion in assets under management to its portfolio Bridgepoint agrees acquire. On the M&A front, startup exits valued at $1 billion or more have reached their highest point since the 2021 market peak, with AI driving a significant portion of recent megadeals Startup exits valued.

Operational Improvement & Market Trends

Fengate's Jennifer Pereira highlighted the resilience of the lower mid-market, where operational improvements are key drivers of value creation, particularly amidst geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira. This focus on operational rigor and cash discipline is becoming increasingly important for investors navigating current market conditions. Elsewhere, CVC Capital Partners has agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech, with the founding family reinvesting as a minority shareholder CVC buys Italian automation. CVC is also acquiring food ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent, with the latter firm having seen revenue quadruple prior to the sale CVC acquire Irca.

Portfolio Management & Investor Relations

Lenders to Godiva Japan have agreed to extend the maturity of approximately ¥75 billion ($463 of loans by nine months, providing breathing room for the company as MBK Partners prepares to sell its stake Lenders to Godiva Japan. Strategic Value Partners has bolstered its European investment team with the appointment of Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director, who joins from Davidson Kempner Strategic Value Partners appoints. Meanwhile, investors are consuming content on a range of topics this summer, with CalPERS, IMAS Foundation, and Aware Super sharing their recommendations, indicating ongoing LP engagement with industry trends and best practices LP podcast recommendations.

Strategic Appointments & Advisory Roles

General Atlantic has tapped tennis legend Novak Djokovic to serve as a global strategic advisor, adding a high-profile figure to its advisory board Novak Djokovic new job. This move underscores the increasing trend of non-traditional advisors being brought into private equity firms to leverage their networks and public profiles.

Sectoral Growth & Investment Themes

Index is set to lead an investment into Berlin-based Nomos Energy, a move that underscores continued investor interest in the energy transition sector Index lead investment. Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf Coast has expanded its workplace safety offerings by acquiring AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting, signaling consolidation within the safety services market Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf. Political considerations are increasingly influencing defense strategies for private equity firms, with vagaries in defense politics posing challenges for investment strategies PE defence strategies. Spain has emerged as a dynamic tech ecosystem in Europe, attracting significant investment and innovation Spain's dynamic tech ecosystem.