Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Deal Activity & Fundraisings

Private equity firms have been active across various sectors, with a notable increase in acquisitions within industrial services, technology, and specialized manufacturing. Wynnchurch-backed Principal Industries acquired, a provider of LED components, while Agellus Capital-backed CompassMSP purchased, a managed IT and cybersecurity firm. Renovus-backed TJP acquired life, signaling continued interest in healthcare-related services. In the energy sector, I Squared agreed from SK Capital, which operates 15 disposal facilities for oil and gas waste.

Further expanding its reach, new naval services platform by combining portfolio companies Eptec Defence and AMP United. Investcorp-backed KSS acquired Strack, a provider of calibration and maintenance services for industrial weighing systems. Thirty-5 Capital-backed Paddletek acquired, and Allied Industrial-backed Mat Tech, a hauling company.

In the technology and software space, HR tech firm Corestream to support its growth. Thoma Bravo closed, integrating FP&A and GRC software capabilities. Bridgepoint backed Skello, an AI-powered HR management software provider. Unity Partners acquired Meaden, a professional services firm specializing in forensic and accounting services, with plans for add-on acquisitions.

Sentinel acquired cake decorations from Kohlberg, and HCPI sold Epicurean Butter. In a significant industrials deal, Lone Star Funds agreed to acquire Conti Tech from Continental for €4bn, a rubber and thermoplastics unit. CVC agreed to sell D-Marin to InfraVia, which operates 28 marinas across nine countries.

Fundraising efforts also saw significant movement. VC firm Chemistry. In the secondaries market, Patria’s fund closed on $677m, focusing on smaller deal sizes, while Eurazeo surpassed its target for its largest-ever secondaries vehicle, raising €2.3bn.

Venture Capital & Growth Investments

The venture capital landscape continues to see significant capital deployment, particularly in AI-driven startups and specialized technology sectors. AI law startup Norm raised $120M in a Series C round, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation. Hive raised $15m for its 'silicon brain' technology, which aims to reduce the cost of running machines. Thought Machine reached $100m in annual recurring revenue and plans to double it before a potential public offering.

EQT acquired Corza Medical's biosurgery unit from GTCR, which includes the Tacho Sil product portfolio. Permira backed Iberian engineering group Quadrante in its second energy transition deal. Avance backed infrastructure firm, with founders and management reinvesting alongside the firm.

In cleantech, investor interest remains strong, with $15 billion poured into seed- through growth-stage rounds for cleantech, EV, and sustainability companies in the first half of the year. eyeing industrial decarbonization opportunities, noting a strong flow of deals in decentralized energy systems.

Sector-Specific Transactions

Private equity's appetite for specialized sectors continues to grow, with notable activity in professional services, healthcare, and consumer goods. Meaden & Moore Advisors highlights the increasing PE interest in accounting firms, with expectations for further add-on acquisitions. In the healthcare and life sciences space, NMS-backed Surplus Solutions acquired, a provider of equipment lifecycle management solutions. Renovus-backed TJP's acquisition of FX2 Virtual further strengthens its position in healthcare marketing communications.

Blackstone acquired Dresser Utility Solutions from First Reserve, marking the first deal for its new energy transition fund. This acquisition of a supplier of natural gas and water measurement equipment signals a strategic move into the energy transition infrastructure.

In the consumer goods sector, Sentinel scooped up cake from Kohlberg. Apheon acquired French frozen snack group Alma, indicating ongoing PE interest in the food and beverage sector, with plans for expansion into Benelux, Germany, and the UK.

Firm Strategy & Personnel

Firms are also making strategic hires and adjustments to their operational structures. AEA Investors appointed Adam, based in their New York office. Bridge Growth appointed Prosper to bolster its investment team. Halifax tapped Rob Holcomb, bringing a background in analytics from Johnson & Johnson.

In fund management, Mubadala Capital opened its $25bn credit platform to outside investors, a significant move that broadens access to its credit business. CVC closed its mid-market fund Catalyst III at €3bn, nearly doubling its initial target. The firm also agreed to sell D-Marin to InfraVia.

The secondaries market saw Patria’s fund close on $677m with a focus on smaller deals, and Eurazeo surpassed its target. Investor intentions signal a continued interest in this space, with JRT Partners planning.

Market Trends & Commentary

Commentary from industry leaders suggests a recalibration of strategies in the current economic climate. Scott Hart of Step Stone Group noted that the private equity model isn't broken, but the illusion of uniform success is. The evolving fundraising environment, with a focus on manager-investor trust over fund structure, is also being discussed.

The rise of AI continues to fuel venture capital, with nearly 90 new unicorns, largely driven by AI startups. However, questions persist about the broader impact of AI, with discussions on whether "AI can really cure all diseases". In cleantech, funding has stabilized, with investors pouring $15 billion into the sector in the first half of the year.

The trend of private equity firms investing in sports franchises continues, with Blue Owl Capital acquiring a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking its sixth NBA franchise backing. This highlights sports as a growing alternative asset class for PE.

International Activity

Activity is also robust across international markets. CVC Capital Partners has held the final close of its European-focused mid-market private equity fund, CVC Catalyst III, at €3bn. In Europe, Apheon acquired French frozen snack group Alma, with expansion plans into Benelux, Germany, and the UK. Bridgepoint backed Skello, an AI-powered HR management software provider operating across France, Spain, Benelux, and Italy.

In Asia, EQT is set to acquire parking technology group Orikan as part of its mid-market push in the Asia Pacific region. China's private equity reset could yield a more disciplined opportunity set for investors, indicating a potential repositioning within the Chinese market.

On the public markets front, IQM investors applauded its debut on public markets, signaling a positive reception for the company's listing.