Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Fundraises Reflect Sector Focus

Private equity firms are actively deploying capital across diverse sectors, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and consumer brands, with several large fundraises signaling continued investor confidence. Hayfin Capital Management secured over €15 billion ($17.1 for its latest direct lending fund, indicating a concentration of capital with scale players. In a notable infrastructure deal, KKR agreed to acquire the North American operations of EDF power solutions for approximately $4.2 billion, with potential additional payments of up to $390 million. Ardian plans to invest more than €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne. Meanwhile, Hamilton Lane closed its sixth direct equity fund at $3.8 billion, its largest to date. The ongoing AI boom continues to shape investment strategies, with Brookfield expanding its financing framework with Bloom Energy to $25 billion, a fivefold increase aimed at building rapid power for AI infrastructure.

AI and Technology Drive Investment and Innovation

Artificial intelligence remains a dominant theme, influencing dealmaking, startup funding, and strategic shifts within private equity. AI dominated dealmaking in the first half of the year, reflecting its pervasive influence. Several firms are investing in AI-focused ventures, including Ardian Semiconductor, which took a minority stake in French AI chip designer VSORA, and Index Ventures, leading an investment into Berlin-based Nomos Energy. Venture capital is also adapting, with Tapestry VC closing an $80 million third fund to back repeat European founders, anticipating an AI-driven exit cycle. The sector is not without its challenges, as illustrated by the "Saa Spocalypse" exposing vulnerabilities in beloved software companies, prompting investors to identify managers capable of navigating the evolving landscape Deep Dive: How AI. Furthermore, new AI labs are emerging, with Meta and OpenAI alumni seeking $400 million for a new venture.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Exits

Private equity firms are actively engaged in acquisitions and divestitures across various industries, demonstrating a strategic approach to portfolio management and value creation. The automotive sector saw multiple transactions, including Monomoy Capital's $1.3 billion acquisition of Jiffy Lube from a Shell USA subsidiary, and Garnett Station collecting first-round bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering 13x-15x EBITDA. In healthcare, Peak Rock scooped up health tech firm Asembia, which also operates a specialty pharmacy conference. Cinven is backing the merger of Vitamin Well and EMPWR in the consumer sector, combining Vitamin Well Group with nutrition bar manufacturer EMPWR. The firm also agreed to combine Vitamin Well Group with EMPWR, bringing Barebells' primary producer in-house Cinven, Bridgepoint-backed Vitamin Well.

Infrastructure and Renewables Attract Capital

Investments in infrastructure and renewable energy continue to draw significant private capital, driven by global energy transition goals and the need for advanced power solutions. KKR is set to acquire the North American operations of EDF power solutions for $4.2 billion, with potential further payments of up to $390 million. In a major clean energy bet, KKR is also taking control of a $1.3 billion South Korean renewable energy platform, partnering with SK to build the country's largest clean power business. Ardian plans to invest over €3 billion in Nordic data centers through its portfolio company Verne. In Poland, CVC DIF, the infrastructure strategy of CVC, agreed to sell Klara Renewables, a portfolio of six operational onshore wind farms, to Actis.

Mid-Market Activity and Expansion

Mid-market private equity firms are actively pursuing growth and strategic expansion, with several firms opening new offices and making targeted acquisitions. IK Partners is set to open a Madrid office and appointed Gonzalo Fernandez-Albiñana as partner, effective September 1. In the UK, Warburg Pincus agreed to acquire Network Plus, a leading utility and infrastructure service provider, from OMERS Private Equity and other shareholders. Several bolt-on acquisitions were also announced, including Meritus Gas Partners, a portfolio company of AEA Enterprise, acquiring helium solutions firm HICO through its subsidiary Buckeye Welding Supply, and Huron Capital-backed Albireo Energy acquiring Pasco Building Automation Services.

Investor Landscape and Regulatory Focus

The broader investor landscape is shaped by evolving LP strategies, a focus on regulatory technology, and discussions around government-industry partnerships. One of Japan's leading institutional investors is reportedly on the move, with implications for capital allocation strategies giant departs. In the UK, private capital is seen as a catalyst for the defense industry, bringing commercial discipline and scale, though private capital should not be viewed as a replacement for government funding Private capital will. Regulatory technology is also a growth area, with Nordic Capital-backed Regnology agreeing to acquire Fed Reporter as part of its U.S. expansion. The industry body ILPA has updated its guidance for continuation vehicles to reflect an evolving market ILPA updates CV guidance.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Investments Continue

The healthcare and life sciences sectors remain attractive for private equity investment, driven by demographic trends and ongoing innovation. Frazier Healthcare Partners named Stephen Krupa as executive in residence for its buyout team, while THL-backed Headlands Research acquired Clinical Trials Research, a clinical trial site network. The medical education gap presents an opportunity for PE investors, addressing the pressing need for more healthcare professionals globally Medical education gap presents. In other health-related activity, Apheon is set to acquire Teknimed, a manufacturer of orthopedic bone cements and biomaterials.

Consumer and Retail Deals

Private equity firms are also active in the consumer and retail space, with a mix of exits and acquisitions. Riverside Company sold its organic candy brand Yum Earth to ACON Investments. In a significant exit, IVEST and Cloverlay agreed to sell the popular children's franchise Care Bears to Authentic Brands Group after quadrupling its business in three years. The transaction marks an exit roughly three years after acquiring the brand Cloverlay sell popular children’s. Elsewhere, Altamont Capital sold comfort food chain Cotton Patch Cafe to Local Favorite Restaurants.

Secondary Market and Fund Finance Evolve

The secondary market is adapting to changing investor demands, with an increasing comfort among secondaries buyers in utilizing fund financing for continuation vehicles to optimize returns Secondaries investors grow more. Ardian is packaging some of its secondhand fund stakes into approximately $1 billion of debt through a collateralized fund obligation. Meanwhile, the ILPA has updated its guidance for continuation vehicles, addressing various aspects of the evolving market.

Geographic Expansion and New Ventures

Private equity firms are expanding their global reach and launching new initiatives to tap into emerging markets and specialized sectors. IK Partners is opening an office in Madrid, signaling a commitment to the Iberian market. In Asia, Bain Capital and SoftBank's LY Corp have sweetened their bid for Japanese price-comparison operator Kakaku.com to $4.1 billion, increasing their lead over EQT. New ventures are also emerging, such as Ashton Kutcher leaving Sound to launch a new venture capital firm with Morgan Beller, focusing on infrastructure beneath AI companies.

Focus on Specialized Services and Data

Several transactions highlight a focus on specialized services and data management. Corten and Ampersand acquired Beacon Intelligence, which provides structured data on early-stage drug development to over 300 customers globally. Blackstone-backed Enverus acquired four PDS Energy Information exchange platforms, operating infrastructure for the U.S. upstream industry. Additionally, Parabellum Investments snapped up data management platform Crux Informatics, which boasts over 200 data providers including Morningstar and MSCI.