Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Deal Activity and Portfolio Management

Kinderhook Capital has invested in American Aero, an aerospace components maker, marking its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector. In a separate transaction, BGF is selling Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components for aerospace and defense, to Karman Space & Defense. Paine Schwartz has sold its ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink, a company that supplies major coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains. Pelican Energy acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company, which offers custom metal fabrication and weldments. Brightstar has acquired Bright Tree Studios, a tech design and consulting firm, adding it to its architecture and design platform. Coalesce-backed Examinetics acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel, expanding its occupational health solutions. Greenbelt invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake. Point-backed Assisi acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business, from IK Partners.

Sponsor Exits and Strategic Sales

Peak Rock is reportedly testing the market for Berner Food & Beverage, a private-label food company it acquired in 2015. Since the initial acquisition, Berner has seen its revenue increase threefold and EBITDA sixfold. Meanwhile, Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS, an inventory services company, with an Israeli private equity firm in talks to acquire control of its international operations. 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 and aerospace sectors.

Debt and Financing

Hellman & Friedman is moving approximately $3 billion of Baker Tilly debt from private credit into the syndicated market, with Deutsche Bank arranging the refinancing. Separately, Apollo is reportedly in advanced talks for a $3 billion financing package for the Yankees.

Fundraising and Investor Activity

University Bristol are reportedly seeking to raise capital. In the artificial intelligence space, Natural has raised $30 million to develop payment infrastructure for AI agents, aiming to compete with Stripe. Infinity, an AI infrastructure company, announced a $15 million raise at a $100 million valuation, with investors including Touring Capital and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic. CuspAI secured a $450 million round to accelerate AI materials discovery. The San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association (SJCERA) has issued a request for proposal for investment consulting services.

Market Trends and Sector Focus

Private real investors are increasingly turning to recapitalizations to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods amid refinancing pressures and elusive exits. Limited partners are showing less enthusiasm for technology investments following the "Saaspocalypse". EQT is behind its target of €20 billion in exits, while its executive Matthias Wittkowski sees compelling opportunities in the technology, internet, communications, and cloud (TICC) sector as AI reshapes delivery. The global TICC industry is projected to grow at mid-to-high single digits with strengthening structural tailwinds. KPS Asia has opened its first Asia outpost in Tokyo, with a focus on take-private and carve-out transactions in Japan's manufacturing and industrials sectors.

Venture Capital Landscape

Mexico's startups led the Latin American venture capital landscape in the second quarter, raising $944 million, a 131% increase year-over-year. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in medical waste business Eco Eridania.

Regulatory and Firm Developments

Private funds are facing ongoing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC, with enforcement actions continuing despite potential shifts in priorities. The UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is reportedly being scrapped, with Michelle Donelan appointed, sparking some backlash. Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner.

Startup Ecosystems

StrictlyVC is returning to New York City on September 10 to celebrate the city's startup community. Investors are watching 15 anti-fraud startups for 2026. Daniel Ek is building his.