Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

KKR and Platinum Equity Lead Major Transactions

KKR is reportedly involved in two significant deals, backing Spectris in its acquisition of sensor business Sentech and agreeing to a £5.75bn ($7.78bn) takeover of DCC alongside Energy Capital Partners, which has drawn shareholder concern KKR and Energy Capital Partners takeover. Platinum Equity is set to acquire a 50% stake in Nestlé's waters business for $3.4bn, forming a new entity named Peranel with an enterprise value of €4.9bn ($5.6bn) Platinum Equity to take.

Private Equity Eyes Senior Care and Healthcare

Several private equity firms are actively investing in the senior care sector, with Goldman Sachs, Brightstar Capital, Hidden River, and Pacific Avenue among those completing seven deals. In healthcare, Carlyle-backed Included Health plans to acquire Firefly Health, while AIP has finalized the take-private buyout of medical tech firm Avanos Medical for $25 per share. Additionally, health testing platform Function secured $450m from General Catalyst.

Dealmaking in Technology and Infrastructure

Vista Equity Partners is acquiring software firm Quantios from Hg and EQT, and Open Gate Capital will carve out Knorr-Bremse's rail HVAC unit, Merak. Bain Capital is making a substantial $1.5bn investment in infrastructure platform Eaton Fiber to accelerate US broadband expansion. Meanwhile, an AI startup called Dwelly has raised $170m backed by EQT and General Catalyst.

Secondaries Market Sees Active Fundraising

The secondaries market continues to attract capital, with CVC aiming for a Q3 close on its sixth secondaries fund, having already raised $9.3bn aims Q3. Savano has closed its direct secondaries fund oversubscribed, making 12 investments to date. Blue Owl has reached $10.6bn for its latest GP stakes fund, and Fox Path has disclosed details for its debut credit secondaries fund.

Asian Markets and Niche Acquisitions

In Asia, a concentration of capital in the large-cap space presents opportunities for GPs that can raise capital lower down the market. Elsewhere, HIG Capital is selling industrial services firm JT Thorpe to Truelink Capital, and TSG Consumer intends to acquire body care brand Saltair. Investcorp has acquired wealth management firm Berger Financial Group, which manages over $3 billion in assets.

AI and Cleantech Drive Investment

The burgeoning AI sector is attracting significant investment, with battery storage startup Antora closing a $550m Series C round to accelerate large-scale projects amid soaring energy demand from AI data centers. Inforcer has raised $50m in a Series C round led by Insight Partners to help smaller businesses navigate AI and security risks. Europe is also opening applications for a €10bn AI gigafactory scheme.

Buyouts and Strategic Investments

Blackstone is acquiring ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision and is reportedly looking to sell Macquarie-backed Win Waste. Providence Equity Partners is taking full control of THE·TEAM in a Wasserman buyout Providence Equity takes full control. MRC is backing Nexus Power to support its geographic expansion and targeted acquisitions, while Dominus is investing in traffic products manufacturer Pelco Solutions.

Fundraising and Firm Strategies

KKR reported its largest-ever monetization quarter, with $848m in realized performance income. Brookfield has held a $2bn first close on its Middle East buyout fund, anchored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Brookfield holds $2bn. TJC is eyeing a November final close for its seventh flagship fund, with its hard-cap $2bn larger than its target.

Venture Capital Focus on AI and Deeptech

Venture capital firms are increasingly focusing on AI, with Blossom Capital exploring investments in defense and cybersecurity unicorn Tines learning from its AI overhaul. Europe's universities are seeing significant spinout funding, with €4.9bn raised in H1 2026. Tier 1 VCs backed 13 early-stage deeptech startups in H1 2026.

Wealth Management and Infrastructure Deals

Wealth management continues to be a robust area for private equity, with several firms making debut investments. Blackstone and Colony IM are set to acquire Accor's stake in hotel owner Essendi for up to €975m ($1.12bn) Blackstone and Colony IM to buy. Stonepeak has invested $2.4 billion in United Ports for a 25% stake in the joint venture with CMA CGM.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions and Divestitures

Apax is set to acquire medical packaging firm Centor and another plastic packaging company from Gerresheimer for €1.5bn, generating combined revenues of about €570 million in 2025. Water tech firm Xylem plans to acquire WaterFleet for $200m, and Carbyne-backed Suan Nutra will acquire natural ingredients businesses from IFF.

Market Trends and Investor Sentiment

The UK remains a strong market for private equity, taking a larger share of activity amid global macroeconomic concerns. Some GPs are concerned about overpromising and underdelivering on AI's ability to drive growth. Family office Green Bear is reducing its private equity exposure, favoring separately managed accounts for cost-efficiency benefits.

Strategic Exits and Portfolio Management

Juniper Capital has exited Andes Coil Processors, marking its 11th exit out of 12 investments. Gemspring-backed Key Line has merged with utility services firm Palouse Power. AE Industrial Partners has appointed Leonard Dollaga as operating partner to identify investment opportunities in national security sectors, particularly maritime.

Venture Capitalist Roles and Startup Growth

Venture capitalists are increasingly taking on operator roles, prompting questions about the shift in strategy. Centralize, an enterprise sales platform, has raised $15 million in Series A funding to build a "deal GPS" for enterprise sales. Freehand has raised $75 million in Series B funding to scale autonomous AI agents for supply chain spend management.