Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Deal Activity Highlights Sector Focus and Strategic Exits

Private equity firms have been actively deploying capital across diverse sectors, with a notable emphasis on industrials, manufacturing, and aerospace. Kinderhook Industries announced its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector with its acquisition of aerospace components maker American Aero. Similarly, BGF is selling Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components for advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Pelican Energy has also expanded its industrial footprint by acquiring Riggins Company, an industrial metal fabricator. Meanwhile, Bain Capital is set to acquire Supply On, a European supply chain platform connecting over 200 manufacturers with more than 140,000 suppliers globally across automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing sectors. In the food and beverage space ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a specialist in pet food and treats. Additionally, Brightstar has expanded its architecture and design platform with the acquisition of tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios.

Recapitalizations and Market Testing in Challenging Exit Environments

As exit markets remain challenging, private real estate investors are increasingly turning to recapitalizations to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods. In a move to test the market for a potential sale is reportedly in the early stages of launching a process for its 2015 portfolio company, Berner Food & Beverage. Sources indicate that since Peak Rock acquired Berner in 2015, the business has seen significant growth, tripling in revenue and increasing EBITDA sixfold. In another significant transaction, Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS International, with Israeli private equity firm in talks to acquire control of inventory services operations in Israel and several overseas markets.

LP Sentiment Shifts and Strategic Moves in Technology and Asia

Limited partners are exhibiting less bullish sentiment towards technology investments following the "Saaspocalypse," with EQT reportedly behind its goal to deliver €20 billion in exits. Despite broader tech caution, AI infrastructure company Infinity has successfully raised $15 million at a $100 million valuation, securing investment from Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. In a substantial development for the AI sector, Cusp AI has landed a $450 million round to accelerate AI materials discovery, and Fireworks AI secured a $1.5 billion financing round, highlighting continued strong investor interest in AI-focused companies. KPS Asia is actively exploring take-private and carve-out opportunities in Japan, having recently opened its first Asia outpost in Tokyo.

Venture Capital Activity and Regional Growth Trends

Mexico's startups have significantly outperformed Brazil in venture capital funding, attracting $944 million in the second quarter, marking a 131% increase year-over-year and a 136% rise from the previous quarter, indicating a growing lead in Latin America as more global VCs enter the region. In New York City, Strictly VC is set to return on September 10th to celebrate the city's vibrant startup community and dealmaking activity. Meanwhile, venture capitalist Neil Rimer of Index Ventures predicts that the significant wealth generated by AI in Silicon Valley will inevitably be redistributed.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Firm Management Updates

Private funds are facing ongoing regulatory pressure, with recent enforcement actions by the SEC pointing to continued scrutiny of managers, even as priorities may be shifting. In firm management news has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share responsibility for the firm's management alongside existing managing partners and the chief operating officer. San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association is seeking a general investment consultant.

Sector-Specific Investments and Acquisitions

Coalesce-backed Examinetics, a provider of occupational health solutions, has acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake and continuing to lead the company. In the pet care sector Assisi Pet Care acquired Forthglade from IK Partners, a company that has scaled its wet and dry pet food and treats business through an omnichannel distribution model. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Eco Eridania, a medical waste business.

Portfolio Company Growth and Exit Strategies

IVEST Consumer and Cloverlay successfully grew the entertainment franchise Care Bears through licensing before their exit to Authentic Brands. Cloverlay's Jeffrey Collins noted that Care Bears exceeded all operational, financial, and market milestones. In a separate development, Apollo is reportedly in advanced talks over a $3 billion financing package for the Yankees.