Private Equity 3 Days

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

Private Equity Dealmaking Accelerates Across Sectors

Several large-scale acquisitions and investments have been announced, signaling robust activity in the private equity landscape. Partners agreed software firm Quantios from Hg, while medical and plastic packaging companies Centor and another entity from Gerresheimer for €1.5 billion. ECP and KKR are set to jointly acquire DCC Energy in a $7.7 billion deal, aiming to take the multi-energy business private. In the infrastructure space in the Eaton Fiber platform to expand Verizon's fiber broadband network. completed formation of United Ports, with Stonepeak investing $2.4 billion for a 25% stake.

Healthcare and Technology Remain Key Investment Focuses

The healthcare and technology sectors continue to draw significant private equity interest. AIP has completed the take-private buyout of medical tech firm Avanos Medical, offering shareholders $25 per share in cash. Carlyle-backed Included healthcare company Firefly Health, and in healthcare knowledge platform Onviv. In technology, Bridgepoint has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Lansweeper, a technology asset intelligence platform. preparing take industrial company Luxfer private for $17.37 per share. Meanwhile, AI continues to influence dealmaking, with startups, which have collectively raised $855 million across over 150 seed-stage rounds this year.

Fundraising and Strategic Exits Mark Market Activity

Fundraising and strategic exits are also actively shaping the private equity environment. targeting November for its seventh flagship fund, with a hard-cap of $2 billion, exceeding its initial target. In the secondaries market in real estate fundraising, representing 4% of the total despite representing a smaller portion of overall fundraising. Juniper Capital has completed an exit from Andes Coil Processors, marking its 11th exit out of 12 investments. Partners closed the $1.45 billion sale of medical equipment company Riverpoint to Novanta, signaling a stable transaction environment in healthcare.

Wealth Management and Services Attract PE Capital

The wealth management sector is experiencing sustained private equity interest, with Investcorp acquiring wealth management firm Berger Financial Group, which manages over $3 billion in assets. continues attract with robust dealmaking. In services that business, financial, and healthcare services present the strongest opportunities, particularly where AI can meaningfully improve productivity.

European Startups Focus on International Expansion and AI

European startups are increasingly prioritizing international expansion from early stages, with some even at the seed level. Europe’s startups. The venture capital landscape in Europe is also seeing specific investor preferences, with VCs with “industrial know-how.” Artificial intelligence continues to be a significant driver, with $170 million backed by EQT and General Catalyst, and how AI buildout is creating a new industrial investment cycle.

AI's Impact and Scrutiny in Value Creation

While AI is a major theme, its efficacy in driving value creation is facing growing scrutiny. Some fear GPs are at risk of overpromising and underdelivering on AI's potential to boost topline growth. Despite this, AI disruption is reverberating across both LP-led and GP-led secondaries markets, with from secondaries investors in the first half of the year. However, not all AI-focused ventures are seeing immediate success, as evidenced by the $855 million raised by AI and cybersecurity startups at the seed stage.