Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Sector Focus

Private equity firms have been active across a range of sectors, with a notable focus on industrial and healthcare businesses. Odyssey invested in packaging and logistics firm Trans Pak to support its growth phase. IMB Partners made an investment in Strategic Land Services, a contractor critical for electric grid expansion and maintenance. ACP-backed Marco acquired industrial products supplier Rocket Seals, a provider of specialty rubber, plastic, and metal components. In the healthcare space, Inflexion agreed to acquire single-use medical consumables provider Primed Group from Paragon Partners, marking Inflexion's sixth DACH investment and third healthcare deal in the region. Battery Ventures-backed ORTEC completed an add-on acquisition of TOBA HR Solutions, expanding its regional healthcare client base. Warburg-backed Bond Vet merged with Small Door Veterinary, creating an organization managing over 55 clinics across multiple US markets. Atlas Holdings-backed Stryten Energy acquired KPS-backed C&D Trojan Battery, consolidating battery manufacturing operations across 15 facilities in the US. AE Industrial acquired powder spray producer Powder Alloy, establishing a specialty materials platform. Broadwing-backed Lehr acquired emergency vehicle upfitting assets from Pro Logic ITS, extending its presence into the Southeast. HIG Capital’s OB Streem acquired Med Frigo in Greece, enhancing its cold-chain logistics capabilities for aquaculture exports. In a significant exit, Wynnchurch sold its stake in flow control specialist Flo Works to Ferguson for $1.6 billion. Mill Point Capital completed its acquisition of Total Safety Supplies & Solutions from Littlejohn & Co.’s portfolio company, Total Safety US.

Consolidation and Strategic Moves in Private Markets

Consolidation continues to be a theme within the private markets, with firms acquiring other entities to expand their platform and capabilities. Apollo, Clearlake, and KKR are among the firms actively acquiring other private markets firms. In a strategic move, Thomson Reuters agreed to sell a stake in its global print business to KKR for $500 million, retaining a 49 percent equity stake in the joint venture. Main Capital-backed Whitevision completed its second UK acquisition this year by purchasing Documation, broadening its document automation technology offerings. CAI Capital exited its investment in HVAC provider Custom Air to Service Logic Holdings Canada, having grown Custom Air through five add-on deals during its eight-year holding period.

Growth in Secondaries and Investment Advisory

The secondaries market is demonstrating increasing sophistication and is being utilized as a key capital formation tool, particularly in real estate. Investors are leveraging secondaries to unlock liquidity, retain high-conviction assets, and reposition platforms for growth. Asante is building out its Asia-Pacific secondaries business with the hire of a managing director from Evercore, who will be responsible for originating and leading regional transactions. Ardea Partners also tapped an MD from PJT for its secondaries advisory team, signaling ongoing talent migration in the space. Moelis is further building out its LP-led secondaries business by bringing in a team from Evercore, with a former vice-president joining as managing director to lead the initiative. The boom in LP-led secondaries is being driven by market conditions that are encouraging sellers, according to industry leaders.

Venture Capital and Technology Investments

Venture capital activity remains robust, with a particular surge in cybersecurity startup funding. The first quarter of 2026 saw strong performance for privacy and cybersecurity startups, which attracted $4.4 billion in seed- to growth-stage financing in the second quarter. In the AI space, Helsing raised $1.8 billion backed by Goldman and Lightspeed. Nest AI, founded by Peter Sarlin, aims to reduce Europe's reliance on foreign AI models for defense applications. Defence tech company Project Q landed a €15 million Series A round just 11 months after its last raise. Promptwatch, a competitor in the PEEC space, raised a €6 million seed round. Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield has joined Anthropic to work on its AI compute team. Hermes agent maker Nous Research is in talks for new funding at a $1.5 billion valuation, aiming to raise at least $75 million. Sapphire Ventures' Anders Ranum highlighted the importance of understanding institutional capital's navigation of the gap between public market AI software multiples and private market valuations. Reed Jobs' firm Yosemite, which focuses on biotech, is continuing its work in the sector following a post-pandemic industry downturn.

European Investment Landscape and Sector Trends

Several European-focused investment trends and specific deals have emerged. Temasek-linked Vertex is scaling back ambitions with a new growth fund, Vertex Growth III, which will be at least 40% smaller than its predecessor. Inflexion's acquisition of Primed Group in Germany represents its third healthcare deal in the DACH region. Nordic Capital sees attractiveness in the water treatment sector, citing significant investment requirements and industry constraints like skilled labor and specialist equipment. Bridgepoint is backing Danish defense company UMag, while Ardian is set to acquire a stake in German BMS company Munich Electrification, focusing on battery technology. The UK pension schemes' shift towards private markets is supported by policy and infrastructure, though pace depends on fee mechanics and closing the growth capital gap. Data centre development in the UK faces challenges, with Nscale's £2 billion project being impacted by grid delays. Sixth Street is exploring sports deals in Asia, with initial opportunities eyed in Japan and India.

Fundraising and Advisory Appointments

Investment consultants are being sought by institutional investors, with Chicago FABF issuing an RFP for investment management advice for its $1.66 billion AUM. Separately, KBIZ is seeking domestic blind-pool PE/VC funds for 2026, intending to commit 300 billion won to such funds. Gen Nx360 has appointed Adam Feuer as an operating partner, bringing experience from One Rock Capital Partners. In a notable GP financing debut, Arctos made a $6.2 billion debut using a "self-liquidating" strategy expected to remain relevant across fundraising cycles. InPact Partners, a Swiss LP consultancy, is expanding into new private equity areas and deepening GP partnerships.

Other Notable Transactions and Developments

Inflexion is set to acquire Primed Group from Paragon Partners. Battery Ventures' ORTEC has completed the add-on of TOBA HR Solutions. Comvest Private Equity has rebranded as Vesterra Capital Partners. The founder of a startup sold to Klarna for €110 million has raised €12 million to build again. Harvey’s VP of EMEA discussed M&A and expansion beyond law. Goldman Sachs is reportedly among the investors in AI startup Helsing. GIC's leadership rejig offers insights into the investment landscape, with AI posing challenges for underwriting according to Goldman Sachs. Moldova's next prime minister is noted as a private equity enthusiast. The European entrepreneurial scene is pushing for growth, with questions on when capital markets will respond. Discussions are ongoing regarding individuals set to influence tech policy in Britain.