Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Sector Focus

Private equity firms have been active in a range of sectors, with technology, healthcare, and industrial services seeing significant transaction volume. Verdane acquired a portfolio of technology stakes from bp, while Gemspring-backed Amplix One Connect. Caltius invested tech Saa S Consulting Group, and VSS Centroid Systems. In the healthcare space, ArchiMed Esperion Therapeutics private for $1.1bn, and Inflexion agreed to acquire single-use medical consumables business Primed Group. Mutares sold Finnish Redo to Invex Group, and Ardian in German digital healthcare recruitment platform Pflegia. AE Industrial Powder Alloy, establishing a specialty materials platform, and Atlas Holdings-backed Stryten Energy C&D Trojan Battery.

Large-Scale Transactions and Financing

Mega-deals and significant financing packages continue to shape the private equity landscape. Apollo is in advanced talks to provide nearly $3bn in financing for the New York Yankees. Ares Management completed its acquisition of retail property owner Whitestone REIT in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $1.7bn. Francisco Partners is in advanced talks to acquire a controlling stake in construction software maker Command Alkon for as much as $1.3bn. KKR began marketing a debt deal tied to PayPal's buy now, pay later business in Germany, marking the first such transaction in Europe. Wynnchurch exited flow Flo Works to Ferguson for $1.6bn, representing a 10x EBITDA multiple.

AI, Robotics, and Emerging Technologies

The burgeoning field of artificial intelligence is attracting substantial investment, with private equity firms increasingly partnering with AI specialists. Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Anthropic named Ode with Anthropic, with backing from Apollo Global Management and others. Monumental, a robotics startup, raised $32m with backing from Khosla Ventures. OpenAI researcher Miles Wang is in talks to valued at $2bn, highlighting investor interest in applying AI to life sciences. Meanwhile, fintech funding surged 23% in the first half of 2026, with investors concentrating bets on AI and financial infrastructure.

Secondaries Market Growth and Strategy

The secondaries market is experiencing a surge in activity, with increasing sophistication and new strategies emerging. Louisiana Teachers plans to explore a private equity secondaries sale to reduce its allocation to buyout assets and increase liquidity. Credit manager Serone, making strategic hires to co-lead the initiative. High Vista tapped Ramit as principal for its GP-led secondaries team, an extension of its lower middle market private equity investing. Carlyle AlpInvest on $1.7bn, surpassing its target. Real estate secondaries dealflow is, as investors seek exposure to in-demand asset classes.

Pension Fund Performance and LP Intentions

Pension funds are reporting strong returns, with private equity being a significant contributor. The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) posted a preliminary net investment return of 14.8% for the year to June 30, 2026, with private equity as a standout performer. CalPERS reported 17 in a separate update. In terms of investor intentions, Chicago FABF issued an RFP for investment consultants to advise on its $1.66bn in assets under management. KBIZ seeking domestic for 2026, aiming to commit 300bn won.

Consolidation and Sector Specialization

The private equity industry is witnessing continued consolidation, with larger firms acquiring smaller ones and a focus on specialized sectors. KKR agreed to acquire a 51% stake in Thomson Reuters’ global print business for $500m. Apollo, Clearlake, and KKR other private markets firms. In the industrials sector, CAI Capital-backed GreenArrow, expanding its infrastructure and electrical services platform. Godspeed-backed ICE USA and project management firm SLC, focusing on transportation infrastructure.

Music Rights and Intellectual Property Acquisitions

Private equity firms are increasingly entering the lucrative market for music rights and intellectual property. Cutting Edge and royalties of TV/film composer Brian Tyler’s catalog. Pophouse acquired a stake in Iron Maiden’s music and NIL rights, following the band's extensive record sales and touring history. Stone Point and Further Global, through Kroll, a firm advising on competition, regulatory, and dispute matters.

European Market Activity

Activity in Europe includes EQT sweetening its bid for Australian fund manager Perpetual to A$22.07 per share after its initial approach was rejected. Inflexion signed a deal for a majority stake in German single-use medical consumables provider Primed Group, marking its sixth DACH investment. Nordic Capital European water treatment due to significant infrastructure investment needs and sector constraints. Bridgepoint signed a deal for a majority stake in Danish defense company UMag. Ardian agreed to buy a stake in a German BMS company and is set to take a majority stake in Munich Electrification, a battery-tech firm.