Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Investor Activity

Hamilton Lane closed its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, marking its largest fundraise to date. This comes as investor intentions show significant commitments, with the MWRA issuing an RFP for a private equity buyout mandate valued at up to $20 billion. Meanwhile, Tapestry VC launched an $80 million third fund aimed at backing repeat European founders, while ex-Speedinvest partner Rick Hao closed a $50 million solo GP fund for deeptech startups Hao's fund.

In the secondary market, buyers are increasingly seeking fund financing for continuation vehicles to optimize returns, according to discussions at the European Fund Finance Symposium. Separately, Generation IM corralled $1 billion for a long-hold private equity strategy, with partner Tom Hodges noting that conventional holding periods are insufficient for transforming entire market segments. This push for longer-term value creation is also reflected in secondaries market trends as the ILPA updates its guidance for continuation vehicles.

Deal Activity & Sector Focus

Private equity firms have been active across various sectors. KKR is acquiring the US and Canadian operations of EDF's power solutions business for $4.2 billion, and simultaneously taking control of a $1.3 billion South Korean renewables platform to bolster the country's AI infrastructure build-out KKR renewables platform. In the technology space, Volpi Capital acquired a majority stake in archiving software firm kgs, which serves enterprise SAP environments.

The healthcare sector continues to attract PE interest, with Frazier Healthcare Partners naming Stephen Krupa as executive in residence for its buyout team. THL-backed Headlands Research acquired Clinical Trials Research, a clinical trial site network, and Martis Capital backed healthcare marketing agency Deerfield Group. Furthermore, Cathay Capital is launching Ascendia Autism Care, an initiative that begins operations with 20 centers across eight states. The medical education gap also presents an opportunity for PE investors, as demand for healthcare professionals grows.

In industrial and infrastructure services, Warburg Pincus is acquiring UK infrastructure services group Network Plus from OMERS. CVC Credit is backing the merger of two infrastructure services groups, KSG and Sasti, to form a pan-European platform. Ardian Semiconductor is investing in French AI chip designer VSORA, focusing on next-generation AI inference accelerators. Ardian also plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne Ardian data centers.

Exits & Portfolio Management

Several firms have realized profitable exits. IVEST and Cloverlay are selling the popular children's franchise Care Bears to Authentic Brands Group, having quadrupled its business in three years. Peak Rock sold its geospatial services company SAM to New Mountain, after acquiring it in 2021. Inflexion sold manufacturer Avantus Aerospace to Arcline, and Xenon Private Equity is exiting Italian tomato processor Solana to Investindustrial-backed La Doria.

Bending Spoons priced its Nasdaq IPO above the expected range, allowing backers to cash in on the Milan-based technology group's valuation. In other exits, Wynnchurch Capital and HIG Capital completed the sale of aerospace components business PFG. Genesis Capital exited GTH Catering, and RF Investment Partners exited Ally Waste Services.

Sector-Specific Deals

Within the food and beverage sector, Investcorp-backed Sunrise Produce acquired Family Tree Produce, a wholesale distributor. Altamont Capital sold comfort food chain Cotton Patch Cafe to Local Favorite Restaurants. In the ingredients market, CVC Capital Partners is acquiring Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent.

The testing, inspection, certification, and compliance sector has seen significant PE interest. Triton is in talks to carve out Bureau Veritas’ fuel testing and inspection business for €470 million, and Visualize is acquiring eCOGRA, a compliance services provider for the gaming industry.

Firm Personnel & Strategy

Blue Wolf appointed Vanessa Generelli as Chief Financial Officer, with Eve Mongiardo remaining as partner and chief compliance officer. Inflexion announced several promotions to partner, including Sachin Mitra, James Stevens, and Freddy West. Strategic Value Partners appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as managing director to its European investment team.

The role of operational improvement in value creation, particularly in the lower mid-market, was highlighted by Fengate's Jennifer Pereira. She noted that the current environment rewards cash discipline, pricing power, and operational rigor. This focus on operational enhancement is also a theme in the resilience of the lower mid-market.

Venture Capital & Technology

AI continues to be a dominant theme in dealmaking. Meta OpenAI alumni are seeking $400 million for a new AI lab, and DeepMind founders have established Equi Libre Technologies, an AI lab valued at over $500 million. GV's Dave Munichiello discussed the shift in AI software and the rising costs of AI computing. The potential for Europe's AI ecosystem is further highlighted by discussions on how Hong Kong can into Asia's AI boom.

Venture capital firms are also exploring new models. Omnea, an AI software company, is offering employees $250,000 to plan