Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fundraising

Private equity firms have been actively deploying capital across diverse sectors, with significant activity in energy, infrastructure, and software. KKR agreed to acquire the North American renewable energy operations of EDF for $4.2 billion, with potential further payments of up to $390 million, signaling a major bet on clean energy. In a similar vein, KKR is taking control of a $1.3 billion South Korean renewable energy platform in partnership with SK to develop the country's largest clean power business, aiming to support the nation's AI infrastructure build-out. Bridgepoint is expanding its U.S. presence with a $1.39 billion acquisition of Kayne Anderson Real Estate (KARE), a Florida-based property investment platform managing approximately $22 billion in assets acquire Kayne Anderson Real. Meanwhile, Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne, underscoring the growing demand for AI-related infrastructure.

The mid-market continues to show resilience and active dealmaking. Monomoy Capital acquired Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion from a subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc., marking a significant transaction in the automotive services sector. In the industrial automation space, CVC Capital Partners is set to acquire Italy's Clevertech, with the founding family reinvesting as a minority shareholder. CVC also agreed to acquire Irca, an Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer, from Advent, following a period where Irca's revenue quadrupled CVC buys ingredients group Irca from Advent. Wynnchurch Capital exited its aerospace components business, PFG, to HIG Capital, illustrating ongoing activity in the aerospace and defense sector.

Fundraising remains robust, with Hamilton Lane closing its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, its largest to date. Ardian is also active, packaging secondhand fund stakes into a $1 billion debt vehicle, capitalizing on the booming collateralised fund obligation market. In a significant development for institutional investors, MWRA is seeking proposals for a private equity buyout mandate, with plans to commit up to $20 billion. The Global Investor 150 ranking continues to track the leading allocators in private equity, with the top 10 investors managing a combined $1.1 trillion in the asset class GI 150: leading allocators.

Venture Capital & Technology

The venture capital landscape is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, with new funds emerging and existing ones reorienting their strategies. Ashton Kutcher is departing Sound Ventures to launch a new firm with Morgan Beller, reportedly focusing on AI infrastructure rather than core AI labs. The emergence of powerful AI models is also creating new dynamics, with science startups feeling defensive Anthropic release puts science. Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund aimed at backing repeat European founders, anticipating a wave of AI-driven exits that will produce new entrepreneurs Tapestry VC launches $80m.

In a notable IPO, Bending Spoons surged 40% on its first day of trading on Nasdaq, pricing its offering at $29.00 per share, above the marketed range and valuing the company at $1.68 billion. The Italian firm, known for acquiring and revamping aging tech brands, highlights a successful strategy that its co-founders attribute to minimizing luck Bending Spoons defies SaaS. Meanwhile, the tech sector continues to grapple with workforce reductions, with over 127,000 U.S.-based tech workers laid off in 2025 and continued cuts into 2026 Crunchbase Tech Layoffs Tracker.

The development of AI is also spurring innovation in specialized areas. Equi Libre Technologies, founded by former Deep Mind researchers, is now valued at over $500 million for its work in AI that benefits quant hedge funds. In a novel approach to talent development, Omnea, an AI software company, is offering employees $250,000 to plan their next startup, challenging traditional venture models. Meta and OpenAI alumni are seeking $400 million for a new AI lab, signaling continued investor interest in cutting-edge AI research.

Sector-Specific Deals & Trends

Activity in the clean energy sector is particularly strong, with KKR making a significant $4.2 billion investment in EDF's North American renewables arm. This move is part of a broader trend of private equity investing in sustainable infrastructure. In South Korea, KKR is also partnering with SK to establish a major renewable energy platform valued at $1.3 billion, intended to power the country's AI build-out.

The healthcare sector is also a focus for private equity, with FPE backing BMA, a software platform for utility companies, and Martis Capital investing in healthcare marketing agency Deerfield Group. The need for more healthcare professionals globally presents an opportunity for PE investors in medical education Medical education gap presents. Furthermore, clinical trial networks are attracting investment, as seen with THL-backed Headlands Research acquiring Clinical Trials Research.

In the automotive sector, Monomoy Capital acquired the quick lube and car service franchise Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion. WILsquare-backed Automotive Color & also made an acquisition, scooping up Ohio Paint Supply.

The testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) sector continues to draw private equity interest due to its predictable revenues. Triton is in exclusive talks to acquire Bureau Veritas’ global fuels testing and inspection business for €470 million. Visualize is set to acquire eCOGRA from Hanover Investors, a compliance services provider for the gaming industry.

Regulatory & Fund Management Developments

The European Union is navigating complex negotiations regarding funding for startups, with France seeking to block the UK's role in a €5 billion Scaleup Fund, sparking backlash from the UK. This situation highlights the geopolitical dynamics influencing European investment.

In fund management, CVC Credit is backing the merger of infrastructure services groups KSG and Sasti to form a pan-European platform. Partners Group is investing $250 million in Avenue Capital’s commercial aviation leasing portfolio through a continuation vehicle. Generation IM has raised $1 billion for a long-hold private equity strategy, aiming for extended investment periods to transform entire market segments.

The secondary market is seeing increasing comfort with fund financing in continuation vehicles, as buyers look to optimize returns Secondaries investors grow more. The ILPA has updated its guidance for continuation vehicles to reflect the evolving market.

Emerging Trends & Other Notable Deals

The growth of AI is a dominant theme, influencing dealmaking and investment strategies. AI dominated dealmaking H1, with firms like Brookfield expanding their financing for AI power infrastructure to $25 billion. The challenge of managing AI computing costs and complexity is also a focus GV’s Dave Munichiello.

In the consumer goods space, IVEST and Cloverlay are selling the popular Care Bears franchise to Authentic Brands Group after quadrupling its revenue in three years. MBK Partners is looking to sell Godiva Japan, with lenders extending ¥75 billion in loans by nine months.

The lower mid-market is proving resilient, driven by operational improvements, according to Fengate’s Jennifer Pereira. This segment offers appealing opportunities for investors amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates.

Bending Spoons successfully priced its Nasdaq IPO, raising $1.68 billion and allowing backers to cash in. The company's success in revamping aging tech brands like AOL and Evernote underscores a strategy focused on minimizing luck After $18B IPO, Bending.

The EBRD has deployed over €10.5 billion in Ukraine, building private capital mobilization tools as part of its wartime financing efforts. The fund has signed more than €500 million in new agreements to aid Ukraine's recovery.