Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Credit & Fundraising Activity

Private credit managers are posting substantial fundraising results, reflecting sustained demand for non-bank financing solutions across the deal ecosystem, 13. 17Capital closed its latest vehicle, Credit Fund, at a record $7.5 billion, signaling accelerating appetite for net asset value (NAV) loan strategies. This follows similar success from structured solutions specialists, as Dawson secured over $800 million for its newest GP financing strategy, surpassing its initial $500 million target. Elsewhere in the market infrastructure space, Palico is reducing its platform fees to 5 basis points for sales exceeding $50 million as the digital secondaries marketplace seeks to attract larger institutional mandates.

Middle Market Transactions & Sector Consolidation

Activity across sponsored buyouts remains broad, spanning wealth management, software, and industrial services, with several firms executing bolt-on acquisitions, 7, 10, 12. Carlyle Group agreed to pay approximately $2.8 billion for a majority stake in MAI Capital Management, bolstering its presence in the wealth management sector. Simultaneously, portfolio company consolidation continues, evidenced by Hyperion-backed Ranger Fire and Security acquiring the UK and Ireland's Total Fire Group, and Investcorp-backed Resultant purchasing M&A advisory specialist Liberty Advisor Group. Further demonstrating sector focus, Fortress picked up bankruptcy services firm Omni Agent Solutions to accelerate its technology development.

Software Exits & Venture Capital Activity

The software exit market saw a successful divestiture as Maven exited its position in Access Pay, a financial connectivity platform, selling it to Accel-KKR. In contrast to mature exits, early-stage venture funding is seeing new specialized vehicles emerge, particularly in artificial intelligence. Runway launched a dedicated $10 million fund and Builders program aimed at supporting startups leveraging its video models for real-time "video intelligence" applications. Meanwhile, credit data startup 9fin was crowned Europe’s newest unicorn following a substantial $170 million funding round.

Sector-Specific Acquisitions

Private equity firms continued targeting niche B2B and specialized service providers across various verticals, 8, 9, 11. CapVest completed its acquisition of Stada from prior owners Bain Capital and Cinven, a deal originally agreed upon in September 2025. In the waste and recycling space, Closed Loop Partners scooped up Sutter Metals, while in healthcare services, LonguVue invested alongside Swaney Group Capital into Apex Dental Laboratory Group. Consumer services was also active, with Mountaingate snapping up UpSwell Marketing, which services local industries including automotive repair and home services.