Private Equity 3 Days

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

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

Private equity firms are actively deploying capital across diverse sectors, with significant investments planned in data centers and manufacturing. Ardian plans to invest over €3bn in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne, signaling a substantial build-out of digital infrastructure. In manufacturing, HIG Capital acquired Premier Forge Group, a US maker of mission-critical components for aerospace and defense, following its acquisition of the same firm from Wynnchurch Capital HIG Capital acquires. The lower mid-market is also attracting attention, with Fengate's Jennifer Pereira noting its resilience driven by operational improvements and cash discipline amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates Fengate sees opportunities.

Fundraising & Investor Trends

Investor sentiment and fundraising dynamics are key themes for limited partners this summer. While PEI's Data Dive analyzes trends from the PEI 300 ranking of top firms by fundraising volume, indicating a comeback in the sector, specific fund activities are also emerging. Index is set to lead an investment into Berlin-based Nomos Energy, underscoring continued interest in energy transition technologies. Meanwhile, some of private equity's largest investors, including CalPERS and Aware Super, are sharing their summer reading and podcast recommendations, offering insights into what LPs are consuming LP summer consumption.

Sector-Specific Investments & Exits

The past few days have seen a flurry of activity in specific industries, from food and beverage to energy and technology. CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech, with the founding family reinvesting as a minority shareholder. CVC is also set to buy food ingredients maker Irca from Advent, which has seen its revenue quadruple. In the consumer space, lenders to Godiva Japan have agreed to extend around ¥75bn ($463m) of loans by nine months, as MBK Partners prepares to sell its Japanese operations. In energy, San Mateo Midstream is acquiring EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752m, focusing on oil and gas infrastructure.

Financial Services & Technology

The financial services and technology sectors are experiencing notable M&A and investment activity. A JC Flowers-led investor group is set to acquire Republic Finance, with Nowlake Technology also participating. In real estate, Bridgepoint agreed to acquire Kayne Anderson Real Estate, a property investment platform with approximately $22 billion in assets under management, for an upfront enterprise value of about $1.39bn Bridgepoint enters US. The technology ecosystem, particularly in Spain, is emerging as a dynamic hub Spain's tech ecosystem, with European deeptech investment reaching a record annual level in just six months Deeptech investment record.

Government Initiatives & Policy

Government initiatives are playing a role in shaping the investment landscape, particularly for scale-ups and tech sectors. France is seeking to block a UK role in the €5bn EU Scaleup Fund, highlighting geopolitical considerations in pan-European investment vehicles. In the UK, the British Business Bank is set to back UK scaleups with £400m annually UK scaleup support, aiming to bolster domestic technology firms. Discussions around transforming Britain's tech sector continue, with a focus on simple and radical ideas to drive growth.

Sports & Entertainment Ventures

Private equity is also making inroads into the sports and entertainment world. Juggernaut Capital is lining up a takeover of a football club, with plans to expand into golf and women's sports. This aligns with a broader trend of private equity exploring new asset classes and expanding their reach beyond traditional sectors.

Dealmaker Appointments & Expansion

Firms are continuing to bolster their investment teams and expand into new markets. Strategic Value Partners appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team, having joined from Davidson Kempner. This move signals ongoing strategic expansion and talent acquisition within the private equity industry.

Startup Exits & Market Indicators

Startup exit activity is showing signs of recovery, with the second quarter of 2026 marking the highest number of billion-dollar exits since the 2021 market peak Billion-dollar startup exits. This trend suggests a potential thawing in the market for venture-backed companies seeking liquidity, providing opportunities for investors to realize returns.