Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Dealmaking & Investments

Private equity firms continue to deploy capital across diverse sectors, with significant investments in data centers, manufacturing, and food ingredients. Ardian plans to invest over €3bn in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne, signaling a strong appetite for digital infrastructure in the region. In manufacturing, HIG Capital acquired Premier Forge Group, a US-based maker of mission-critical forged components for aerospace and defense, following its acquisition of the same firm from Wynnchurch Capital HIG Capital acquires. Meanwhile, CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech, with the founding Reggiani family reinvesting as a minority shareholder. CVC is also set to acquire food ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent, with revenue having quadrupled under Advent's ownership CVC buys ingredients group. Bridgepoint is expanding its U.S. real estate footprint by agreeing to acquire Kayne Anderson Real Estate for approximately $1.39bn Bridgepoint enters US real estate, a deal valued at around $1.4bn with Kayne Anderson Real Estate managing roughly $22 billion in assets Bridgepoint agrees acquire.

The lower mid-market is proving to be a resilient area for private equity, with operational improvements driving value creation according to Fengate's Jennifer Pereira Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira. This segment offers appealing opportunities amidst geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira. In a move indicative of this trend, Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf safety firms AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting. In a significant transaction, an investor group led by JC Flowers agreed to acquire Republic Finance, with Nowlake Technology also participating in the deal. San Mateo Midstream is set to acquire EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752m, bolstering its presence in the midstream energy sector San Mateo Midstream acquire.

Fundraising & Investor Trends

While specific fundraising volumes were not detailed, analysis of the PEI 300 ranking of top private equity firms by fundraising volume suggests a potential comeback in the sector PEI’s Data Dive. Investors are also consuming content that reflects current market priorities. For instance, major institutional investors like CalPERS, IMAS Foundation, and Aware Super are sharing their preferred summer reading and podcast recommendations Summer’s session.

Sector Focus & Regional Dynamics

Private equity's focus is broadening, with notable activity in defense, technology, and energy. The defense sector, however, is facing political complexities that are impacting private equity strategies PE grapples defence politics. In the UK, the government is preparing to support scaleups through the British Business Bank Exclusive: British Business Bank, aiming to transform the country's tech sector One simple radical idea. This initiative coincides with a record-breaking period for European deeptech investment, which achieved annual records within the first six months of the year European deeptech investment. Spain is also emerging as a dynamic tech ecosystem within Europe How Spain emerged.

In other news, Juggernaut Capital is reportedly lining up a takeover of a football club, with plans to expand into golf and women's sports subsequently Top private equity news. Separately, Index is set to lead an investment into Berlin-based Nomos Energy Exclusive: Index lead investment. France is actively seeking to prevent the UK from playing a role in the €5bn EU Scaleup Fund, highlighting ongoing geopolitical considerations within European investment frameworks Exclusive: France seeks block. Meanwhile, lenders to Godiva Japan have agreed to extend the maturity of approximately ¥75bn ($463m) of loans by nine months, as MBK Partners prepares to sell its Japanese operations MBK Partners to sell Godiva Japan.

Firm Appointments & Market Trends

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. The second quarter of 2026 has seen a surge in startup exits valued at $1 billion or more, reaching levels not seen since the peak of the market in 2021 Most Billion-Dollar Startup Exits. This trend indicates a potentially more favorable environment for venture capital and growth equity exits.