Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Infrastructure and Industrial Deals Highlight Activity

Stonepeak and CMA CGM finalized the formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25% stake, while CMA CGM retains operational control. In the industrial sector, HIG acquired infrastructure services and engineering firm Avove, which focuses on regulated water and power markets. Wynnchurch agreed to take industrial company Luxfer private at $17.37 per share, and Trans Digm is set to acquire IGP-backed Prince & Izant for over $1 billion, a manufacturer of brazing alloys and specialty metal components. AE Industrial Partners appointed Leonard Dollaga as operating partner to identify investment opportunities in national security sectors, particularly maritime.

Technology and AI Drive Investment Trends

AI continues to be a significant driver of investment, with Dwelly, an AI rollup startup, raising $170 million backed by EQT and General Catalyst. Startups at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity have collectively raised $855 million across more than 150 seed-stage rounds this year. Bridgepoint is set to acquire Lansweeper, a technology asset intelligence platform that uses AI to map IT networks, in a deal valued at £545 million. Throne Science, developing an AI-powered toilet camera for health tracking, secured $10 million in a Series A round led by Will Ventures. Carlyle is backing cybersecurity firm Secturion as the first investment from its new aerospace, defense, and industrials platform.

Healthcare and Services Sector Sees Robust Dealmaking

The healthcare sector remains active, with Arlington Capital Partners exiting medical equipment company Riverpoint to Novanta in a $1.45 billion transaction. Riverside-backed Decera Clinical invested in healthcare knowledge platform Onviv, which provides continuing education for medical professionals. Care Career acquired MAS Medical Staffing, a travel nurse and allied staffing agency, from Periscope Equity. In services, Tower Brook’s Joseph Knoll highlighted business, financial, and healthcare services as strong opportunities where AI enhances productivity. BC Partners agreed to acquire a co-control stake in Info RLife, a Swiss CDMO specializing in IV infusion bags.

Family Offices and Secondaries Market Evolve

Family office Green Bear is reducing its private equity exposure, favoring separately managed accounts for cost-efficiency benefits amid lower private equity returns. Vishnu Amble, chief investment officer at Green Bear, is keen on bilateral sales of private equity fund stakes to pare exposure to illiquid assets. High-conviction deals gained favor from secondaries investors in the first half of the year, with AI disruption influencing both LP-led and GP-led markets. Blackstone has reportedly raised $14 billion for its latest secondaries fund.

Retail and Consumer Businesses Attract Private Equity

Golub Capital is backing fast-food chain Church’s Texas Chicken, which was acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard in 2021. FEP acquired Australian Planet Fitness franchisee Bravo Fit, with Planet Fitness exiting its minority ownership position. Visionaries is cutting its investment team to two lead partners for its next fund.

Other Notable Transactions and Market Dynamics

ECP and KKR have agreed to acquire DCC Energy, a multi-energy sales and distribution business, in a $7.7 billion deal. Cinven and La Caisse are jointly acquiring MGA Optio, which underwrites specialty risk across 15 countries. Mutares agreed to acquire Free2move, Stellantis' car-sharing business operating in Europe and the US. In a significant infrastructure deal, Step Stone and CMA CGM finalized the formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25% stake. Meanwhile, European pension providers are in talks for a £1 billion Scale-Up Fund. Asia’s Affinity has seen multiple senior executive departures since the start of 2023.