Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fundraising Activity

Blackstone's private wealth fund reported its strongest month on record, driven by a significant stake in AI developer Anthropic. This performance underscores the burgeoning investor appetite for AI-related assets within private equity. In a separate development, ElevenLabs is reportedly seeking a $22 billion valuation through a new share sale, signaling continued high growth expectations for AI companies. Meanwhile, Sandbrook Capital announced a €200 million investment in Krios, a European platform focused on developing data center infrastructure, indicating strong momentum in digital infrastructure. The broader startup funding environment saw U.S. startups announce substantial rounds, with energy and AI sectors leading the charge. Globally, investors poured over $200 billion into startups in the second quarter of 2026, making it the second-largest quarter on record, according to Crunchbase data.

Sector-Specific Investments & Exits

Eurazeo has exited its Spanish hotel portfolio, FST Hotels, through a sale to Extendam, a European private equity firm specializing in hospitality. This transaction reflects ongoing consolidation and strategic divestments within the European hospitality sector. In the healthcare technology space, Peak Rock acquired health tech firm Asembia, which also operates a specialty pharmacy conference. Corten and Ampersand have jointly acquired Beacon Intelligence, a provider of structured data on early-stage drug development. GTCR-backed Experity bolstered its healthcare technology offerings by acquiring Exdion Healthcare. On the industrial services front, Truelink Capital made a platform investment in Horwitz, a provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services. Furthermore, Monomoy Capital acquired the quick lube and car service franchise Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion from a subsidiary of Shell USA. JFLCO-backed Wrist Group expanded its maritime logistics capabilities by acquiring maritime logistics services provider MSA.

Software & Technology Focus

The software sector continues to be a significant area of focus for private equity, though challenges are emerging. Sandbrook Capital is investing in Krios, a European platform for developing data center projects, highlighting demand for digital infrastructure. Main Capital and Volpi Capital are actively pursuing software deals, with Main Capital-backed Uname IT acquiring Denmark's Auto IT, a software provider for automotive dealerships. However, a deep dive into AI's impact on private equity's software investments reveals potential vulnerabilities and uncertainty in the sector this year, termed the 'Saa Spocalypse' Deep Dive: How AI. European initiatives are also driving innovation, with a 30-year EU program focused on turning startup placements into patents 30-year EU initiative turning.

Geographic Expansion & Strategic Moves

IK Partners is set to open a new office in Madrid, signaling its commitment to expanding its presence in the Iberian market. Nordic Capital-backed Regnology is expanding into the U.S. with the acquisition of Fed Reporter, a regulatory technology platform. In the UK, a panel discussed how private capital can act as an accelerator for the defense industry, bringing commercial discipline and scale, rather than a replacement for government funding Private capital will. Investors are also keenly observing opportunities in defense-related strategies, with an estimated €9 trillion spending spree anticipated over the next decade What LPs are looking.

Secondaries Market & Investor Relations

The secondaries market is seeing increased activity and innovation. Evercore has strengthened its Asian team with talent from Harbour Vest, indicating a growing focus on this region. Ardian is packaging a substantial portion of its secondhand fund stakes into a $1 billion debt vehicle, a move that capitalizes on the booming CFO market. Investor intentions are also shaping the landscape; the Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant for its retirement board and Other Post-Employment Benefits trust Investor Intentions: Wellesley Retirement. Meanwhile, discussions around continuation vehicles are ongoing, with parties urged to settle on market practices to avoid regulatory intervention art self-governance. BCI is pursuing its newly launched capital solutions strategy with an aim for good returns, noting that while more LPs are participating directly in continuations vehicles and secondaries, they remain the exception BCI seeks ‘good returns’.

Venture Capital & Startup Ecosystem

The venture capital scene remains dynamic, with notable fundraising and investment activities. Ashton Kutcher is departing Sound Ventures to launch a new firm with Morgan Beller, focusing on infrastructure beneath leading AI companies. Jack Selby's VC firm, Copper Sky Capital, is raising a $300 million second fund. Early-stage firm Magnify Ventures has secured $46.6 million for its Fund II, with contributions from Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures Melinda Gates’ venture firm. Europe is seeing a trend of "one unicorn a week," suggesting a new model for generating billion-dollar startups week: Europe's new model. Initiatives are also underway to broaden access to the startup ecosystem, such as Common Ventures' scheme to place working-class graduates into startups Common Ventures launches scheme.

Consolidations & Strategic Combinations

Several strategic combinations and acquisitions are reshaping industries. Cinven Bridgepoint-backed Vitamin Well are set to merge with Waterland's EMPWR, a contract development and manufacturing organization for nutritional bars. In the aerospace sector, European mid-market firm Inflexion is selling its aerospace supplier Avantus Aerospace to US buyout firm Arcline Investment. KKR has agreed to sell its ship leasing platform, Ocean Yield, which holds interests in over 70 vessels, to AP Moller. Apheon is in talks to acquire Teknimed, a manufacturer of orthopedic bone cements and biomaterials.

Energy Transition & Infrastructure

The energy sector is experiencing significant investment. CVC DIF, the infrastructure strategy of CVC, is selling Klara Renewables, a portfolio of six operational onshore wind farms in Poland, to Actis, signaling a shift in renewable energy ownership. RGreen Invest has backed Geogreen with a €52.4 million investment. The development of digital infrastructure remains a focus, with Sandbrook Capital investing €200 million in Krios for grid-secured land to support large-scale data center projects.

Other Notable Deals & Trends

Platinum Equity is set to invest in retailer Grand Appliance, which operates 31 retail locations and five distribution centers. In the automotive services sector, Garnett Station is collecting first-round bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering 13x-15x EBITDA. WILsquare-backed Automotive Color & has acquired Ohio Paint Supply. Balance Point is investing in Trivest-backed Aqua Verse, a platform designed to support and unify pool service brands. In a move that could impact European venture capital, some VC firms are reportedly splitting over a plan to limit non-European investments Exclusive: ETCI-backed VC firms. The tech industry continues to see layoffs, with over 127,000 workers at U.S. tech companies laid off in 2025 and continuing into 2026 Crunchbase Tech Layoffs Tracker.