Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Dealmaking Activity Remains Robust Across Sectors

Private equity firms continued to execute a high volume of deals, spanning various industries from technology to infrastructure. HIG Capital Avove, which focuses on regulated water and power markets. AIP completed the buyout of material handling firm Intelligrated from Honeywell Technologies in a significant transaction. Stonepeak invested $2.4 billion for a 25 percent stake in United Ports, forming a joint venture with CMA CGM, which retains 75 percent ownership and operational control. In the financial services sector, wealth management, with Carlyle making its debut investment from a new aerospace platform.

Technology and AI Drive Investment Trends

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a focal point for venture capital and private equity, with numerous startups announcing funding rounds and acquisitions. Dwelly, an AI rollup startup backed by EQT and General Catalyst. Freehand secured $75 million in Series B funding to scale its autonomous AI agents designed to manage supply chain spend and back-office operations for enterprises with a focus on automation. Throne Science, developing an AI-powered toilet camera for gut health tracking, closed a $10 million Series A round led by Will Ventures. Cybersecurity startups at the intersection of AI across over 150 seed-stage rounds this year.

Middle Market and Specialty Investments

Middle-market technology companies are positioned to capture significant long-term gains from the AI era, according to Brad Bernstein, managing partner at an unnamed firm arguing for the sector's potential. Providence made an additional investment in talent agency The Team, enabling the acquisition of founder Casey Wasserman’s remaining ownership stake in a strategic move. Golub Capital Church’s Texas Chicken, which was previously acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard in 2021. Riverside-backed Decera Clinical invested in healthcare knowledge platform Onviv, a provider of continuing education for medical professionals as part of its growth strategy.

Strategic Acquisitions and Divestitures

Several companies engaged in significant acquisitions and divestitures. Carbyne-backed Suan Nutra is set to acquire a portfolio of natural ingredients businesses from IFF in a strategic expansion. Mutares agreed to acquire the Free2move car-sharing business from Stellantis, which operates services across 14 cities in Europe and the US as part of Stellantis's portfolio adjustments. Wynnchurch proposed a take-private offer for industrial company Luxfer at $17.37 per share signaling a shift in ownership. THL Partners sold firmware provider AMI to Lattice Semiconductor, though THL will retain an equity ownership interest in Lattice following the transaction.

Sector-Specific Deals and Fund Disclosures

Deal activity was also notable within specific sectors, including infrastructure and specialized manufacturing. Stonepeak and CMA CGM completed the formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25 percent stake. Behrman-backed Micross acquired manufacturer AEMtec, a provider of high-reliability microelectronic products and services for aerospace, defense, space, medical, and industrial applications expanding its capabilities. Trans Digm agreed to acquire IGP-backed Prince & Izant for over $1 billion, a manufacturer of brazing alloys and specialty metal components in a substantial deal. Details of Fox Path’s debut credit secondaries fund were disclosed.

European Market Activity and Investor Sentiment

European private equity saw significant activity, with Tower Brook’s Joseph Knoll noting that while Europe offers lower multiples, it presents a more challenging regulatory environment. ECP and KKR agreed to acquire DCC Energy in a $7.7 billion deal, taking the multi-energy sales and distribution business private. Bridgepoint agreed to acquire a majority stake in Lansweeper, a technology asset intelligence platform, for £545 million in a take-private offer as part of its expansion into asset intelligence. Mid Europa is set to acquire a construction software platform in Czechia, formed by uniting ÚRS, First information systems, and Callida as a divestiture from DEK Group.

Secondaries Market and LP Strategies

The secondaries market experienced strong interest, with high-conviction deals gaining favor from investors in the first half of the year, as AI disruption reverberated across both LP-led and GP-led markets according to Gerald Cooper of Campbell Lutyens. Family office Green Bear is revamping its portfolio by tapping into the secondaries market, with Chief Investment Officer Vishnu Amble keen on selling private equity fund stakes bilaterally as the family office pares its exposure to illiquid assets to reduce risk. Green Bear is also favoring separately managed accounts due to cost-efficiency benefits amid lower private equity returns a shift in strategy.

Venture Capital and Early-Stage Investments

Venture capital continued to fuel early-stage companies, particularly in deeptech and specialized AI applications. Tier 1 VCs backed 13 early-stage deeptech startups in the first half of 2026 highlighting innovation in the sector. ETH Zurich spinout Zuri Q raised $25.5 million in a seed round. Multiverse Computing is targeting a €500 million round at a unicorn valuation as it seeks to scale its quantum computing solutions. Pliant reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue following its US expansion.