Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Private Equity Activity Surges with Major Take-Private Deals and Strategic Acquisitions

Private equity firms have been active in a flurry of transactions, with several major take-private deals and strategic acquisitions dominating headlines. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R)-backed OCS Group has agreed to take the facilities management and professional services company Mitie private in a £3.1 billion deal. The Mitie board has unanimously recommended the offer, which represents a 46.8% premium to its previous closing share price recommended the deal. In another significant move, Apax Partners is set to acquire techoraco and Institutional Investor, two events and data intelligence platforms, from Epiris-backed Delinian. These platforms will maintain their existing management teams and brand identities under Apax's ownership.

Cap Vest has completed its acquisition of TSG Solutions, a French provider of technical services for critical energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Kinderhook Industries has made an investment in American Aero, an aerospace components maker, marking its 33rd platform investment in the industrials and manufacturing sector. Pelican Energy has acquired Riggins Company, an industrial metal fabricator offering services including custom metal fabrication, welding, engineering, and project management. Brightstar has expanded its architecture and design platform by acquiring tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios, adding it to its existing holdings of KZF Design and Erdman.

In the ingredients and food sectors, Paine Schwartz has sold Lyons Magnus, a manufacturer supplying major coffeehouse and quick-service restaurant chains, to Truelink. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade, a pet food and treats business founded in 1971, from IK Partners. Carbyne-backed Suan Nutra is set to acquire specialty ingredients businesses from IFF, intending to merge them into an enlarged natural ingredients platform with manufacturing operations across Spain, Slovenia, Peru, and the US.

Secondary Market and Refinancing Activity Intensifies Amidst Market Pressures

The secondary market is witnessing a rise in recapitalisations as private real estate investors navigate mounting refinancing pressures and elusive exits. These recapitalisations aim to unlock liquidity and extend hold periods in a challenging market environment. In a notable debt transaction, Hellman & Friedman is moving approximately $3 billion of Baker Tilly debt from the private credit market to the syndicated loan market moves Baker Tilly's $3bn debt. Deutsche Bank is arranging this refinancing, which was initially raised to fund the sponsor's buy-and-build strategy.

Investment Consulting and LP Interest Shape Fund Strategies

Several public pension funds are actively seeking investment consulting services, signaling ongoing shifts in asset allocation and manager selection. Worcester Retirement System has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for investment consulting services. Similarly, San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association (SJCERA) has also issued an RFP for general investment consulting services.

LP sentiment towards the technology sector appears to be cooling, with investors expressing less optimism following the "Saaspocalypse". This caution may influence future investment strategies and deal-making in the tech space.

KPS Asia Eyes Japan, While Private Equity Firms Bolster Offerings

KPS Capital Partners' Asia unit is actively exploring take-private and carve-out opportunities in Japan, having recently established its first Asian outpost in Tokyo. This strategic expansion signals a growing focus on the Japanese market for manufacturing and industrials specialist KPS.

In other firm-level news, 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.

Venture Capital Activity Showcases AI, Fin Tech, and Lat Am Growth

The venture capital landscape is marked by significant funding rounds in artificial intelligence and financial technology. Natural has raised $30 million to develop payments infrastructure for AI agents, positioning itself as a competitor to Stripe. Inference startup Infinity has secured $15 million in funding at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from OpenAI and Anthropic, aiming to advance AI infrastructure. Cusp AI has landed a substantial $450 million round to accelerate its AI-driven materials discovery efforts.

In Latin America, Mexico's startup ecosystem continues to lead the region, with startups raising $944 million in the second quarter, a 131% increase year-over-year and a 136% rise from the previous quarter. This growth is attributed to increased engagement from global venture capital firms entering the Latin American market.

Deal-Making and Portfolio Management Highlighted

Peak Rock Capital is reportedly testing the market for its 2015 portfolio company, Berner Food & Beverage, exploring a potential sale. Since Peak Rock's acquisition, Berner has seen its revenue increase threefold and EBITDA sixfold. In a separate deal, IVEST Consumer Partners and Cloverlay successfully exited their investment in the entertainment franchise Care Bears, with Cloverlay's Jeffrey Collins noting that the brand exceeded all operational, financial, and market milestones.

Bain Capital is in the process of acquiring Supply On, a European supply chain platform that connects over 200 manufacturers and more than 140,000 suppliers across automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing sectors. Coalesce-backed Examinetics has acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel, expanding its occupational health solutions offerings. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake and continuing to lead the company.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Market Outlook for TICC

Private funds are facing ongoing regulatory pressure, with the SEC's enforcement actions indicating continued scrutiny of managers, according to McDermott Will & Schulte. Meanwhile, EQT sees compelling opportunities in the Technology, Information, Communications, and Construction (TICC) sector, driven by the transformative impact of AI on delivery and operations. EQT's Matthias Wittkowski anticipates mid-to-high single-digit growth for the global TICC industry over the medium term, supported by strengthening structural tailwinds expected to grow at mid-to-high single digits. Regulatory requirements are also creating "durable demand" within the TICC sector, according to EQT.

Other Notable Transactions and Developments

Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS, an inventory services company, with an Israeli private equity firm reportedly in talks to acquire control of its international operations nears $400m exit deal for RGIS. Apollo is reportedly in advanced talks regarding a $3 billion Yankees financing package in advanced talks over $3bn Yankees financing package. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Eco Eridania, a medical waste business.

BGF is set to sell Walker Precision Engineering, a provider of mission-critical components to the advanced technology aerospace and defense markets, to Karman Space & Defense. University of Bristol spinouts are reportedly looking to raise capital. A recent article from Sifted highlights 15 anti-fraud startups to watch in 2026, according to investors. The Strictly VC event is returning to New York City on September 10 to celebrate the city's startup community.