Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking and Portfolio Activity

Hellman & Friedman is orchestrating a significant debt refinancing for its portfolio company Baker Tilly, moving approximately $3bn of debt from private credit to the syndicated loan market, with Deutsche Bank leading the arrangement. In the industrials sector, Kinderhook Industries has made its 33rd platform investment by acquiring American Aero, a maker of aerospace components. Simultaneously, BGF is selling Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components for the advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. Paine Schwartz has divested its ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink. In a move to expand its industrial capabilities has acquired Riggins Company, an industrial metal fabricator specializing in custom fabrication and weldments. Brightstar has bolstered its architecture and design platform by acquiring tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios. Coalesce-backed Examinetics has expanded its occupational health solutions by acquiring safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the company's co-founders retaining a significant equity stake. Further consolidating the supply chain sector is set to acquire the European supply chain platform Supply On, which connects over 200 manufacturers with more than 140,000 suppliers globally. In the consumer goods space Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business, from IK Partners.

Fundraising and Strategic Investments

Natural has secured $30M in funding to develop payment solutions for AI agents and compete with established players like Stripe. The AI infrastructure company Infinity announced a $15M funding round at a $100M valuation, with participation from Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. In the burgeoning AI materials discovery space, CuspAI has raised a substantial $450M round. Mexico continues to lead venture capital activity in Latin America in the second quarter, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

Exits and Divestitures

Blackstone is reportedly nearing a $400M exit deal for RGIS, an international inventory services company, with an Israeli private equity firm in talks to acquire control of its operations in Israel and several overseas markets. Peak Rock is exploring a sale for its 2015 portfolio company Berner Food & Beverage, which has seen significant growth under its ownership, with revenue increasing threefold and EBITDA sixfold since the initial acquisition. The firm IVEST and Cloverlay successfully exited their investment in the entertainment franchise Care Bears through licensing strategies, with Cloverlay noting the brand exceeded all operational and financial milestones as detailed.

Sector Focus and Market Trends

The private real estate market is experiencing a surge in recapitalizations as investors seek to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods amidst refinancing pressures and challenging exit conditions as noted. Within the technology sector, Limited Partners are exhibiting less enthusiasm for tech investments following a period of downturn, termed the 'Saaspocalypse' according to sources. EQT is reportedly behind its ambitious goal to deliver €20 billion in exits, while CVC is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region as reported. In the technology, information, communications, and control (TICC) sector, EQT sees compelling opportunities, with Matthias Wittkowski highlighting that regulatory requirements are creating "durable demand" and the global TICC industry is expected to grow at mid-to-high single digits. Meanwhile, CVC DIF is set to acquire a majority stake in medical waste business Eco Eridania.

Firm Developments and Consultancies

Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share management responsibilities with existing managing partners Antonio Miranda and Steven Raich, and COO Shant Mardirossian. KPS Capital has opened its first Asia outpost in Tokyo, signaling an increased focus on take-private and carve-out opportunities in Japan, led by Takajiro Ishikawa. In terms of investor services is seeking a general investment consultant through a request for proposal.

Regulatory and Industry Commentary

Private funds are facing continued regulatory scrutiny, with recent enforcement actions suggesting ongoing attention from the SEC, even as their priorities may shift. In a commentary on the broader market of Index Ventures predicts that the substantial wealth generated by AI in Silicon Valley will eventually be redistributed.

Other News

Reynolds has been appointed UK business secretary as part of a reshuffle. In other venture capital news will return to New York City on September 10 to celebrate the city's startup community. The list of to watch in 2026 has been released, according to investors. Daniel Ek is reportedly building his "new European dream." There are also reports of backlash concerning plans to ditch DSIT as noted. Separately, Apollo is in advanced talks regarding a $3bn financing package for the Yankees.