Private Equity 3 Days

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

Private Equity Activity Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

Private equity firms are navigating a complex environment marked by both strategic divestitures and new fund formations, while also facing scrutiny over performance and evolving industry guidance. The Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) is considering a pullback from private equity investments due to underperformance, a sentiment echoed by other limited partners, according to its consultant Aon conveyed. This reflects a broader industry trend where traditional benchmarks are proving difficult to meet. In parallel, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has mobilized over €10.5 billion in wartime financing for Ukraine, including more than €500 million in new agreements signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference EBRD passes €10.5bn, demonstrating a commitment to emerging markets amidst global uncertainty.

Fundraising and Investment Strategies

A notable development in fundraising is Generation Investment Management's successful closure of a $1 billion fund dedicated to long-hold private equity strategies. Partner Tom Hodges noted that conventional holding periods are often insufficient for truly transforming market segments Generation IM corrals $1bn. This long-term approach contrasts with the rapid dealmaking observed, particularly in AI-related sectors. Wynnchurch Capital and HIG Capital's exit from aerospace components business PFG exemplifies the active deal market, with AI continuing to dominate investor focus AI dominated dealmaking. Meanwhile, the industry body ILPA has updated its guidance for CVs to reflect the evolving market, moving from 'silent on a lot of things' to more prescriptive advice ILPA updates CV guidance.

Sector-Specific Deals and Acquisitions

The testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) sector is attracting significant private equity interest due to its predictable, regulatory-backed revenues. Triton is reportedly in exclusive talks to acquire Bureau Veritas’ fuel testing and inspection business for approximately €470 million, a unit that operates a global network of 320 testing sites Triton talks. In a similar vein, Visualize is set to acquire eCOGRA, a gaming industry compliance services provider, from Hanover Investors Visualize acquire eCOGRA. The healthcare and marketing sectors also saw activity, with Martis Capital backing healthcare marketing agency Deerfield Group, previously supported by Edgewater Funds Martis Capital backs.

Technology and AI Investments

Artificial intelligence continues to be a central theme in investment strategies, though some venture capital firms are criticized for misusing the technology. Henrik Landgren of Gilion argues that VC firms need better data infrastructure and direct connections to financial sources rather than relying on AI haphazardly Save Venture Capital. Despite these concerns, the pursuit of AI innovation is evident. OpenAI and Meta alumni are seeking $400 million for a new AI laboratory Meta OpenAI alumni, and Hong Kong is positioning itself as a gateway to Asia's AI boom Hong Kong can Europe’s. The British Business Bank plans to support UK scaleups with £400 million annually British Business Bank.

Infrastructure and Energy Sector Transactions

Infrastructure services remain a key area for private equity. Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire UK infrastructure services group Network Plus from OMERS Private Equity and other shareholders Warburg Pincus buys. CVC Credit is backing the merger of infrastructure service groups KSG and Sasti, creating a pan-European critical infrastructure services platform CVC Credit backs merger. In the energy sector, San Mateo Midstream is set to acquire EnCap-backed Cardinal Midstream for $752 million, a deal involving a midstream energy company focused on oil and gas infrastructure San Mateo Midstream acquire.

Buyout and Growth Investments

Several firms have completed or are pursuing significant buyouts. CVC Capital Partners is acquiring Italian industrial automation group Clevertech from Advent, with the founding