Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Activity Across Sectors

Private equity firms have been active across a wide range of sectors, with notable activity in technology, healthcare, and industrial services. Trive Capital sold HIP services provider Kittyhawk to Machine Sciences, while Serent-backed Raintree acquired health-focused AI firm Spike Technologies. Verdane acquired stakes in four Trifork Labs technology businesses, including cybersecurity and digital health. Health Wave Partners acquired memory care community Alamar Senior Living, and Summit, backed by Avathon, acquired continuing education provider Kids Bowel & Bladder. One Equity is set to acquire pipe fabrication and distribution firm Epic Piping from Bernhard Capital Partners, and Guardian sold manufacturer Precision Roll Solutions to American Roller Company. CAI Capital-backed Green Arrow acquired three transportation tech firms, and Inspirit Equity-backed Sizemore is set to acquire facilities management services provider Carlson Building Maintenance. Gemspring-backed Amplix acquired tech sourcing and procurement firm One Connect, and ACP-backed Marco acquired industrial products supplier Rocket Seals.

Venture Capital and Growth Equity

Venture capital and growth equity firms continue to deploy capital, particularly in AI-related ventures and technology. Fora, an AI-powered travel agency, achieved unicorn status, raising $60 million at a $1 billion valuation. Founders Fund hired former OpenAI executive Ryan Beiermeister as a partner. EQT's €5 billion Scaleup Fund is reportedly in talks to lead a funding round for Mistral AI, and Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Anthropic launched a new AI services provider called Ode with Anthropic, with backing from several other major firms including Apollo and KKR. Venture funding into fintech startups climbed nearly 23% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, with a focus on AI and financial infrastructure. In Europe, private equity firms are increasingly teaming up with AI specialists, with EQT backing Syntetica's $30 million raise. General Catalyst provided $1 billion to David Beckham's health drink startup IM8 through its Customer Value Fund.

Dealmaking Trends and Market Dynamics

Consolidation remains a significant theme in the private markets, with several large firms acquiring or merging with other entities. KKR is in advanced talks to acquire a 51% stake in Thomson Reuters' global print business for $500 million. Apollo, Clearlake, and KKR are among firms acquiring other private markets firms as the industry consolidates. Advantage Partners plans to focus on Japanese firms shielded from foreign takeovers due to economic-security concerns Advantage Partners to target. H.I.G. Capital launched €1 billion German residential platform Highground Living H.I.G. Capital launches. In the secondaries market, M&G is increasing its exposure to infrastructure and targeting continuation vehicles, while Carlyle Alp Invest closed its second single-asset focused fund on $1.7 billion. CalPERS posted a 14.8% net investment return for the year to June 2026, with private equity being a strong contributor Private equity lifts.

Specific Transactions and Exits

Several firms have announced significant transactions and exits. CCMP is selling BGIS to Veritas. Bridgepoint is acquiring a majority stake in Germany's GBA Group from Ardian Bridgepoint buys majority. Ardian is also acquiring a majority stake in German digital healthcare recruitment platform Pflegia. CVC Capital Partners and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert's offer for Italian drugmaker Recordati has been deemed fair by the company's board Recordati board backs. Arlington Capital is taking Gooch & Housego private in a £345.6 million deal. VSS exited its investment in tech services company Centroid Systems. Tailwater backed Pickton Gas Storage, led by former Nor Tex Midstream Partners management.

Fundraising and Investor Relations

Investors are navigating evolving strategies and increasing scrutiny in private markets. Germany's KENFO plans to increase its allocation to private markets to 30% but will trim private equity exposure Germany's KENFO to lift. Partners Group warned that evergreen outflows could reach $20 billion, with private equity representing two-thirds of its underperforming assets. LP scrutiny on fund governance has intensified, with limited partners seeking greater control and stronger protections against succession and zombie fund risks. CalPERS is exploring a sale of private equity secondaries to reduce its allocation to buyout assets and increase liquidity. Serent-backed Raintree acquired Spike Technologies, an electronic health record and practice management platform for rehabilitation and physical therapy organizations.

Geographic Focus and Emerging Trends

While activity is global, certain regions and sectors are showing particular dynamism. Asia's startup funding reached a multi-year peak in the second quarter of 2026, driven by China. European rounds are getting larger, though fewer companies are closing them. The UK is seeing consolidation, with KKR acquiring a stake in Thomson Reuters' print unit. The music and media rights sector is attracting investment, with Cutting Edge acquiring music rights from composer Brian Tyler, and Pophouse acquiring a stake in Iron Maiden's music and NIL rights. Apollo is in advanced talks to provide a $3 billion financing package for the New York Yankees Apollo in advanced. Real estate secondaries are experiencing increased dealflow as investors seek exposure to in-demand asset classes.