Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 26, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Dealmaking Activity Across Sectors

Private equity firms have been active across a diverse range of sectors in recent days. agreed acquire UK vitamin company Vitabiotics for international expansion, while life sciences software provider Aris Global. In the infrastructure space battery storage developer Aypa Power to Brookfield for $7bn, and Greenbacker for $375m. Shore Capital realized its first real estate fund with a $268m sale of a veterinary portfolio to Four Corners Property Trust, and Bluestone Equity Partners led a $55m growth round in cue sports platform Poolhouse.

Investments in Technology and Health

Technology and health-related ventures continue to attract private equity interest. Longshore invested in health tech firm Prochant to fuel its next phase of growth, and Decathlon invested in health tech firm Health Endeavors. SkyKnight set in infusion services provider Apex Infusion, with FFL Partners remaining a minority investor. In the cybersecurity realm Workstreet amid proliferating cybersecurity challenges related to AI. Meanwhile, Providence Equity SCG, a UK communications and IT provider serving approximately 35,000 small and medium-sized businesses.

Sports and Entertainment Ventures

The sports and entertainment industries are also seeing significant private equity involvement. Harbinger took ownership stake in MLB’s Athletics as part of the club’s equity financing for a new ballpark. Blue Owl is buying into the Cavaliers, signaling sports as the new alternative asset class. Nazca Capital Madrid Artes Digitales, an operator of immersive cultural experiences, and also picked up an immersive experience operator. agreed invest in Italian flavors and fragrances maker PA Aromatics.

Valuations and Funding Rounds

High valuations are being reported in some segments, with at a $20bn valuation. This comes as startup investors poured capital into a varied lineup of large rounds, targeting sectors including physical AI, biotech, cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, and fintech, according to Crunchbase News reports. For the first time in several quarters Y Combinator in participating in the most fintech deals of $5 million or more in Q2. Globally, 60% startup this year, approximately $320bn, has gone to rounds of $1 billion or more.

Fundraising and Secondaries Market Activity

Fundraising efforts are progressing, with Harbour Vest closing its seventh co-investment program at $4.75bn, exceeding its target. In the secondaries market, Blackstone is targeting $22.5bn for its Strategic Partners Fund X, making it the second-largest active fundraise by target. StepStone’s VC has surpassed $1bn, with Ohio's public school employees' pension committing $50m. Private real estate managers are also rewriting the playbook with secondaries a departure from distress-driven strategies. Lenders and buyers are increasingly accepting leverage in continuation funds, though its appropriate use.

Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships

Strategic acquisitions and partnerships are shaping various industries. GTCR-backed Dentalcorp Northstar Dental Partners, a Toronto-based dental support organization. Monomoy is reportedly in talks for the sale of concrete manufacturer Cast-Crete. In Luxembourg a majority stake in ATOZ Services, an administration and governance provider for private equity, private credit, and real estate clients. Tinicum is backing specialty chemicals distributor Graco Roberts.

Challenges and Investor Sentiment

While investor appetite remains strong, there are clear expectations for managers. At the London Investor Council, members stated they are "risk-on, but you'd better earn it," their strategies. Discussions around leverage in continuation funds highlight ongoing debates about its appropriate application and when it should be used. The complexities of AI are also a factor, with cybersecurity challenges proliferating in the age of AI and potentially impacting investment decisions.

Other Notable Deals

Other notable transactions include EnCap-backed Paloma Permian for nearly $1.3bn. Advisors snapped aerial services operator BlueSky Helicopters, and facilities maintenance platform PHFM. Oaktree-backed GA family law litigation support firm Trampe Settles, and a shareholder in building standard SFG20. Tocqueville Asset growth capital from Leon Financial Network, and C-suite advisory firm Council Advisors. An edtech platform, Imagi to help teach coding.