Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Mega-Deals and Strategic Acquisitions Drive Market Activity

ECP and KKR are set to acquire DCC Energy in a $7.7 billion transaction, a deal that would take the multi-energy sales and distribution business private. In another significant move, THL Partners is selling firmware provider AMI to Lattice Semiconductor, though THL will retain an equity stake in the acquirer. Trans Digm plans to buy Prince & Izant for over $1 billion, adding the brazing alloys and specialty metal components manufacturer to its portfolio. Wynnchurch intends to take industrial company Luxfer private for $17.37 per share, while Cinven and La Caisse have agreed to jointly acquire MGA Optio, a specialty risk underwriter. Arlington Capital Partners has closed the $1.45 billion sale of Riverpoint Medical to Novanta, with managing partner Matt Altman noting a stable transaction environment in healthcare.

Middle-Market Investments and Sector Focus

Carlyle is backing cybersecurity firm Secturion through its aerospace, defense & government and industrials platform, marking its first investment from this initiative. Periscope Equity-backed MAS Medical Staffing has been acquired by Care Career, adding a travel nurse and allied staffing agency to its operations. SVP will acquire a minority stake in the power plant South Field Energy, which commenced commercial operations in 2021. Mid Europa is set to acquire a construction software platform in Czechia, a consolidation of ÚRS, First information systems, and Callida. Capitol Meridian will invest in aviation services firm RH Aero Systems, with existing shareholders remaining significant investors.

Venture Capital Funding and Valuations

ETH Zurich spinout Zuri Q has raised $25.5 million in a seed funding round. Bessemer and Atomico are reportedly in talks to lead a funding round for The Exploration Company at a $2 billion valuation. Multiverse Computing is targeting a €500 million round at a unicorn valuation, signaling strong investor interest in its quantum computing solutions. Schneider Electric’s VC Fund, SE Ventures, is backing startups developing AI technologies, identifying a new industrial investment cycle driven by AI buildouts. Elon Musk’s Boring Company is reportedly raising funding at a $20 billion valuation for its tunneling ventures. Bluestone Equity Partners led a $55 million growth round for cue sports platform Poolhouse, a deal from its inaugural $350 million fund.

Secondaries Market Trends and Strategic Capital

High-conviction deals from secondaries investors in the first half of the year, with AI disruption impacting both LP-led and GP-led markets. Blackstone hit $14 billion for its latest secondaries fund, indicating robust activity in this segment. UK pension providers are in talks for a £1 billion Scale-Up Fund, suggesting a growing appetite for growth-stage investments. GPs are seeking new sources of LP capital, though the "democratisation" of private markets may come with associated costs. Morgan Stanley IM has appointed an Asia insurance solutions lead, reflecting a push by GPs to raise more capital from the insurance sector.

Portfolio Realizations and Exits

Shore Capital has realized its first real estate fund with the $268 million sale of a veterinary portfolio to Four Corners Property Trust. Arlington Capital Partners is exiting its investment in medical equipment company Riverpoint to Novanta in a $1.45 billion deal. Bridgepoint is set to acquire Lansweeper, a technology asset intelligence platform, in a deal also involving Ridgeview's take-private offer for automotive software company Pinewood. Perpetual has rejected EQT's A$2.5 billion approach, citing a persistent price gap.

Other Notable Deals and Market Developments

Sifted reported on European unicorn exits so far in 2026. 9fin completed its first employee share sale following a $170 million raise. Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Lansweeper. Blackstone Infrastructure extended its TXNM Energy merger deadline to May 2027 to secure outstanding regulatory approvals. Blue Owl is buying into the Cavaliers as sports investments gain traction in the private equity space. Nothing is reportedly cutting around 100 jobs as part of a cost-cutting initiative.