Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Deal Activity Across Sectors Intensifies

Private equity firms have been active across a broad spectrum of industries, announcing numerous acquisitions and investments. Liberty Tire Recycling, backed by I Squared, has expanded its footprint by acquiring All American Tire, Tire Recycling, and Genan Inc. announced latest. In the dental sector, PE-backed Premier Care Dental Management acquired cosmetic dentistry practice Brookline Smile Artists. Searchlight and Abry have finalized the take-private buyout of IoT company Kore. Kinderhook has invested in aerospace components maker American Aero, marking its 33rd platform investment in industrials and manufacturing. BGF is set to sell Walker Precision Engineering to Karman Space & Defense announced a divestment. Pelican Energy has acquired industrial metal fabricator Riggins Company expanded its portfolio. Brightstar has snapped up tech design and consulting firm Bright Tree Studios, integrating it into its architecture and design platform broadened its services. Coalesce-backed Examinetics has acquired safety services firm Progressive Safety and Jurgiel strengthened its offerings. Greenbelt has invested in Bowe & Gant Electrical Services, with the co-founders retaining a significant equity stake. Bain Capital is set to acquire European supply chain platform Supply On, which connects manufacturers and suppliers across automotive, aerospace, and other sectors agreed to acquire. Wind Point-backed Assisi Pet Care has acquired Forthglade from IK Partners, bolstering its pet food and treats business. Apax Partners is acquiring techoraco and Institutional Investor from Delinian, with both platforms retaining their management teams and brand identities. Carbyne-backed Suan Nutra will acquire specialty ingredients businesses from IFF, creating an enlarged natural ingredients platform. Cap Vest has completed its acquisition of TSG Solutions, a provider of technical services for critical energy infrastructure finalized its acquisition. O2-backed 4M has acquired Bluegrass Commercial Cleaning and Rainbow Maintenance Services, both providers of commercial janitorial services. RFE-backed Launch Pad has acquired home inspection firm Top to Bottom Services, adding to its platform of residential inspection and homeowner services companies.

Energy and Infrastructure Deals Drive Large Valuations

Significant transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors are reshaping the landscape. Kayne Anderson and Warburg Pincus are agreeing to sell Wild Fire Energy to Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation for approximately $4.06 billion. Wild Fire Energy focuses on oil and gas assets in South Texas formations. Blackstone, Apollo, and KKR are committing $5.34 billion to Williams power projects, taking a 49% non-controlling interest in five power projects owned by US energy operator Williams committed substantial capital.

Fundraising and Investment Strategies Adapt to Market Conditions

Fundraising continues to be a key focus, with firms adapting their strategies. Clipway has surpassed its target, reaching $6.4 billion for its debut fund, which initially launched with a $4 billion target. Secondaries fundraising has extended its record-breaking run, surpassing $50 billion in the first half of the year, with the last several years marked by volatility. Visionaries is shaking up its investment team ahead of a new fund launch. AI remains a dominant theme in investment, with European fintech seeing increased funding, though startups that are not "AI-native" may struggle to secure capital. AI infrastructure company Infinity has raised $15 million at a $100 million valuation from investors including OpenAI and Anthropic researchers. Maritime nuclear energy startup Bluecore Energy has raised $10 million in a pre-seed funding round. Natural has raised $30 million to reinvent payments for AI agents, aiming to compete with Stripe.

Secondary Market Activity and Investor Intentions

The secondary market is experiencing robust activity as investors seek liquidity and manage portfolios. Secondaries volume has extended its record-breaking run in the first half of the year, with the last several years being volatile yet still seeing remarkable volume. Secondaries fundraising has surpassed $50 billion in the first half, marking the second-strongest start to a year over a six-year period. Private real estate is riding a recapitalization wave as refinancing pressures and elusive exits lead investors to seek liquidity and extend hold periods. Investor intentions show that Worcester Retirement System and San Joaquin County Employees' Retirement Association are issuing requests for proposals for investment consulting services.

Strategic Divestments and Portfolio Management

Private equity firms are also engaging in strategic divestments and portfolio adjustments. Peak Rock Capital is reportedly testing the buyout market for its 2015 portfolio company Berner Food & Beverage, which has seen significant revenue and EBITDA growth since its acquisition exploring a sale. Paine Schwartz is selling ingredients and beverage manufacturer Lyons Magnus to Truelink, a company that supplies major restaurant chains and healthcare end-markets divested its holding. Blackstone is nearing a $400 million exit deal for RGIS International to an Israeli private equity firm, which would involve the acquisition of inventory services operations in Israel and other markets negotiating a significant exit. Hellman & Friedman is moving Baker Tilly's $3 billion debt from private credit to the syndicated market, with Deutsche Bank arranging the refinancing restructuring debt.

Focus on AI and Emerging Technologies

The influence of Artificial Intelligence continues to shape investment strategies and startup development. Falfurrias has injected capital into work risk AI firm Factor Lab, which focuses on transforming high-risk work planning and delivery. Enlightenment Capital is investing in govtech firm Quorum, aiming to accelerate its product roadmap and expand its AI capabilities. Dell Technologies Capital's managing director discussed how AI is reshaping Saa S and why the business model is not headed for extinction. Cusp AI has landed a $450 million round to accelerate AI materials discovery. Investors are also watching anti-fraud startups, with 15 notable companies identified.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Market Dynamics

Private funds are facing ongoing regulatory pressure, with the SEC's priorities potentially shifting but continued scrutiny of managers anticipated. EQT's Matthias Wittkowski sees compelling opportunities in the Technology, Information, Communications, and Connectivity (TICC) sector as AI reshapes delivery, expecting mid-to-high single-digit growth in the global TICC industry. CVC DIF has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Eco Eridania, a medical waste business. Apollo is reportedly in advanced talks over a $3 billion Yankees financing package pursuing a major financing deal.

Regional Investment Trends and Firm Expansions

Investment trends are also being observed in specific regions. Mexico's startups led the Latin American pack in the second quarter, raising $944 million, a significant increase driven by global VC interest in the region. KPS Asia is eyeing Japan take-privates and carve-outs, with its first Asia outpost set to open in Tokyo. Littlejohn has promoted Brian Michaud to managing partner, who will share responsibility for the firm's management.