Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Dealmaking Activity Picks Up Across Sectors

Private equity firms are actively pursuing new investments and exits. Peak Rock Capital is exploring a sale of Berner Food & Beverage, a portfolio company acquired in 2015. Sources indicate the business has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing threefold and EBITDA sixfold since the initial acquisition. In a separate transaction, Paine Schwartz divested its stake in ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink. Pelican Energy has expanded its portfolio by acquiring industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, bolstering its capabilities in custom metal fabrication and. Brightstar continues to build its architecture and design platform, acquiring tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios, which joins KZF Design and Erdman. Further expanding its reach, KPS Asia has opened its first outpost in Tokyo, signaling a focus on Japanese take-private and carve-out transactions.

Sector-Specific Transactions Signal Strategic Growth

Strategic acquisitions are driving growth in niche sectors. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business that has scaled through an omnichannel distribution model. In the safety services sector, Coalesce-backed Examinetics announced its acquisition of Progressive Safety and Jurgiel, a provider of occupational health solutions. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake alongside the firm. Bain Capital is set to acquire European supply chain platform Supply On, which connects over 200 manufacturers and 140,000 suppliers across the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. CVC DIF, in a deal also noted by EQT, agreed to acquire a majority stake in medical waste business Eco Eridania, which provides comprehensive waste management services to healthcare and industrial clients.

Firms Announce Promotions and New Consultancies

Internal promotions are reflecting evolving leadership structures within private equity. Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, where he will share responsibility for the firm's management alongside existing partners and the chief operating officer. Similarly, Granite Creek has promoted Pete Pacelli to managing director to help lead its agribusiness activities as the firm expands its investment focus on the agriculture value chain. On the consulting front, the San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association is seeking proposals for an investment consultant, indicating a move towards external advisory services.

Venture Capital Sees Continued Investment in AI and Latin America

Venture capital activity remains robust, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging markets. Despite a potential slowdown in AI funding, Neil Rimer of Index Ventures predicts that wealth generated by AI will be redistributed. The week saw significant funding rounds, including a $1.5 billion financing for enterprise AI startup Fireworks AI. Nuclear startup Valar Atomics is in talks to raise new funding at a $6 billion valuation, highlighting complex, multi-stage funding rounds. In Latin America, Mexico's startups outpaced Brazil in the second quarter, raising $944 million, a 131% increase year-over-year, as more global venture capital firms enter the region.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Events on the Horizon

The private funds industry faces ongoing regulatory pressure, with the SEC's priorities potentially shifting but enforcement actions suggesting continued scrutiny for managers. Meanwhile, the startup and venture capital community is anticipating Strictly VC's return to New York City on September 10th, celebrating the city's startup ecosystem.

Other Notable Transactions and Developments

Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS International to an Israeli private equity firm, marking a second major transaction with the buyer. Apollo is reportedly in advanced talks over a $3 billion Yankees financing package. In a separate deal, Borgman has invested in concrete production equipment distributor CMW, with the capital infusion aimed at supporting growth and market expansion. IVEST and Cloverlay achieved an early exit from their investment in the 'Care Bears' franchise, which exceeded operational, financial.