Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 26, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking Across Sectors

Private equity firms have been actively deploying capital across a diverse range of industries. Bluestone Equity Partners led a $55 million growth round in Poolhouse, a cue sports platform, while Longshore invested in health tech firm Prochant to fuel its expansion. In the dental sector acquired Northstar Dental Partners, and agreed to purchase UK vitamin company Vitabiotics for international growth. Nordic Capital is set to sell life sciences software provider ArisGlobal, and invested in SCG, a UK communications and IT provider. The veterinary care sector saw significant activity, with Warburg Pincus and others completing seven deals. Nazca Capital acquired immersive experience operator Madrid Artes Digitales, while will invest in Italian flavors and fragrances maker PA Aromatics. SkyKnight plans to invest in infusion services provider Apex Infusion, and Decathlon invested in health tech firm Health Endeavors.

Infrastructure and Energy Investments Continue

Infrastructure and energy assets remain a focal point for private equity, with significant transactions and strategic moves. Blackstone Infrastructure extended the merger deadline for TXNM Energy to May 2027 to secure outstanding regulatory approvals. In a major energy deal is acquiring power producer Greenbacker for $375 million. Blackstone is also set to sell battery storage developer Aypa Power to Brookfield for $7 billion. The oil and gas sector saw agree to acquire EnCap-backed Paloma Permian for nearly $1.3 billion.

Sports and Media Transactions Signal New Investment Avenues

The sports and media landscape is increasingly attracting private equity interest. Blue Owl is buying into the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighting sports as a new alternative asset class. Harbinger took a minority ownership stake in the MLB's Oakland Athletics as part of the club's equity financing for a new ballpark.

Real Estate and Secondaries Market Dynamics

The real estate sector is seeing active portfolio management and a growing interest in secondaries strategies. Shore Capital realized its first real estate fund with the $268 million sale of a veterinary portfolio to Four Corners Property Trust. The secondaries market is experiencing robust growth, with Harbour Vest closing its seventh co-investment program at $4.75 billion. Blackstone is targeting $22.5 billion for its Strategic Partners Fund X, making it the second-largest active fundraise by target. Private real estate managers are actively utilizing secondaries, with continuation vehicles signaling a shift away from distress-driven strategies. StepStone’s VC has surpassed $1 billion, attracting LP interest, including a $50 million commitment from Ohio's public school employees' pension. The Chinese secondaries market is also navigating its first full cycle, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Venture Capital and Startup Funding Trends

Venture capital continues to fuel innovation, with a focus on large funding rounds and emerging technologies. Elon Musk’s Boring Company is reportedly raising funding at a $20 billion valuation. Startups in physical AI, biotech, cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, and fintech attracted significant capital this week. General Catalyst took the lead over Y Combinator in backing fintech deals of $5 million or more in the second quarter. The rise of billion-dollar-plus rounds continues, with 60% of global startup funding this year going to such deals.

Strategic Acquisitions and Minority Stakes

Several firms are pursuing strategic acquisitions and minority stake investments. Perpetual rejected EQT's raised A$2.5 billion approach due to a persistent price gap. Softbank is reportedly eyeing the acquisition of ETH spinout Gravis. IK Partners is selling MDT technologies to Bregal Unternehmerkapital. In addition, Coalesce is acquiring Workstreet, a cybersecurity provider, amidst growing cybersecurity challenges.

Firm-Specific Developments and Leadership Changes

Epiris appointed Owen Wilson as managing partner, succeeding Bill Priestley. Bregal Sagemount will take a majority stake in Luxembourg-based ATOZ Services, an administration and governance provider. Bowmark Capital is becoming a shareholder in building standard SFG20. Palatine is exiting its investment in My Pension Expert, with Valeas Capital Partners set to invest.

Technology and AI Investments

Technology and artificial intelligence remain key investment themes. Coalesce Capital is buying Workstreet, citing the intersection of cybersecurity spending and regulatory compliance complexity. The challenges of AI talent resilience and the debate around on-premise versus cloud infrastructure are also prominent discussions. Debt funding is also seeing new stars in AI, dual use, and spacetech.

Market Commentary and Investor Sentiment

Investor sentiment indicates a "risk-on" approach, but with a demand for clear differentiation in strategies, particularly in AI and defense sectors. Discussions around leverage in continuation funds also persist, with differing views on its appropriate use. The question of incentivization structures when executives possess stratospheric net worth is also being explored.

Other Notable Transactions

Monmoy is reportedly in advanced sale talks for concrete manufacturer Cast-Crete. Fundamental Advisors acquired aerial services operator Blue Sky Helicopters. Tinicum backed specialty chemicals distributor Graco Roberts. Vesterra Capital acquired facilities maintenance platform PHFM. Oaktree-backed GA acquired family law litigation support firm Trampe Settles. Tocqueville Asset secured growth capital from Leon Financial Network. Tayeh Capital invested in C-suite advisory firm Council Advisors. Camden-backed Triumph acquired the Culinary Institute of Barcelona. An edtech platform, Imagi, raised $4.5 million in seed funding.