Private Equity 3 Days

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

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

Private equity firms are actively pursuing acquisitions across diverse sectors, from industrial automation to essential services. CVC Capital Partners agreed to acquire Italian industrial automation group Clevertech from the founding Reggiani family, who will reinvest as a minority shareholder. Similarly, Bridgepoint is entering the U.S. real estate market with an approximately $1.39 billion acquisition of Kayne Anderson Real Estate, which manages around $22 billion in assets. In the UK, Warburg Pincus acquired utility and infrastructure service provider Network Plus from OMERS Private Equity, while Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers via its portfolio company Verne.

The testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector continues to draw significant private equity interest due to its predictable, regulatory-backed revenues. Triton is in exclusive talks to carve out Bureau Veritas’ fuel testing and inspection business for €470 million. This business operates a global network of 320 testing and inspection sites and serves over 8,000 clients. Meanwhile, CVC Credit is backing the merger of infrastructure services groups KSG and Sasti, creating a pan-European critical infrastructure services platform.

In the lower mid-market, operational improvements are proving key to value creation, especially amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates. Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira highlighted that this segment offers appealing opportunities for investors who prioritize cash discipline, pricing power, operational rigor, and leadership maturity. This strategy is evident in various add-on acquisitions, such as Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf acquiring safety firms AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting, and High Street-backed Pinnacle Contracting snapping up CJones Plumbing.

Venture Capital & AI Focus

The venture capital and artificial intelligence landscape is marked by a push for new ventures and a reevaluation of data utilization. Alumni from Meta and OpenAI are seeking $400 million for a new AI lab, signaling continued investment in cutting-edge AI development. Separately, GV's Dave Munichiello discussed Qualcomm's modular purchase and the firm's 10x return, emphasizing a shift in AI software as companies grapple with soaring computing costs. Europe's deeptech investment reached an annual record in just six months European deeptech investment, underscoring the region's growing role in AI innovation, with Spain emerging as a dynamic tech ecosystem How Spain emerged.

However, concerns are rising about the effectiveness of AI adoption in venture capital. Gilion's Henrik Landgren argues that venture capital firms are using AI incorrectly, advocating for improved data infrastructure and direct connections to financial and payment sources to combat "bad data." This sentiment is echoed by discussions around potential VC mergers More VC mergers coming, as the industry consolidates and seeks greater efficiency. The British Business Bank is set to support UK scaleups with £400 million annually British Business Bank, aiming to bolster the domestic tech sector.

Fundraising, Exits & Portfolio Management

The private equity industry is navigating evolving guidance and strategic portfolio adjustments. The ILPA updated its guidance for limited partners, moving from a "status quo" to a "remain in place" stance, reflecting the changing market dynamics. In terms of exits, Altamont Capital sold its comfort food chain Cotton Patch Cafe to Local Favorite Restaurants, and RF Investment Partners exited its investment in Ally Waste Services. MBK Partners is looking to sell Godiva Japan, with lenders extending approximately ¥75 billion ($463 in loans by nine months.

The second quarter of 2026 saw the most billion-dollar startup exits since the 2021 market peak Most Billion-Dollar Startup Exits, indicating a resurgence in significant liquidity events. This environment also sees firms like Parabellum Investments acquiring data management platforms such as Crux Informatics, which boasts over 200 data providers. In other portfolio moves, O2-backed Azureon acquired pool services firm Pooltek Services, and Main-backed Zig is set to acquire Saa S provider Provadie.

Investment Firm Appointments & Strategic Moves

Firms are also making strategic appointments and exploring new investment avenues. Strategic Value Partners appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team. In a notable move within the financial services sector, a JC Flowers-led investor group is set to acquire Republic Finance. Meanwhile, Verne, an Ardian portfolio company, is set to become a significant player in Nordic data centers with over €3 billion in planned investment.

The political climate is also influencing defense sector strategies for private equity firms PE grapples defence politics, with political vagaries creating challenges. France is also seeking to block a UK role in a €5 billion EU Scaleup Fund France seeks to block, highlighting geopolitical considerations in fund management. In a significant transaction, San Mateo Midstream is acquiring EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, an energy infrastructure company.

Sector-Specific Investments

Private equity continues to target specialized niches. FTV is making a growth investment in Carbon Underwriting, a specialist with its own Lloyd’s syndicate. In the manufacturing sector, H.I.G. Capital acquired aerospace and defense forging specialist Premier Forge Group from Wynnchurch Capital HIG Capital acquires manufacturer. Skoyen is acquiring Bartec Municipal Technologies, whose technology supports waste collection and street cleaning for over 100 UK local authorities.

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