Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: April 9, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Fundraising & Capital Deployment

Private equity fundraising momentum showed signs of recovery, with nearly half of the funds that closed in the first quarter meeting their targets, marking the highest proportion witnessed in at least five years. This fundraising success is juxtaposed with strategic deployment moves, as Court Square Capital Partners successfully concluded its fifth flagship vehicle, closing Fund V at $3.8 billion, substantially exceeding initial goals. Furthermore, diversification drives are shifting focus, potentially making the APAC region a key beneficiary as Limited Partners (LPs) adjust their portfolio allocations, while firms like Collide Capital secured $95 million for its Fund II dedicated to fintech and future-of-work ventures.

Mega-Deals & Continuation Funds

Large-scale transactions are continuing across the sector, exemplified by CVC Capital Partners actively seeking co-investors to back its proposed $12.7 billion takeover of Italian pharmaceutical firm Recordati, signaling a major commitment to mega buyouts. Meanwhile, Onex Partners finalized a substantial $1.6 billion multi-asset continuation vehicle, drawing in major anchor investors including Neuberger, GIC, Apollo S3, and Step Stone for assets featuring Power School and Sedgwick. In secondary activity, JPMorgan Asset Management noted that some evergreen structures are receiving short-term performance boosts due to secondary market mark-ups, suggesting a complex dynamic in how these long-term vehicles are being valued amid rationalization efforts.

Sector Investments & Exits

Activity spanned technology and specialized industrial services, with Charlesbank leading a new investment round into Bridgepointe Technologies, with existing backer Carlyle Alp Invest also participating in the transaction. On the exit front, defense technology provider AEVEX, backed by Madison Dearborn Partners, is preparing a $336 million initial public offering in the U.S., aiming for an overall valuation of $2.35 billion. Elsewhere, the accounting sector saw consolidation as the TowerBrook-backed EisnerAmper announced a merger with KLB Business Valuations & Forensic Accountants, a deal anticipated to finalize in May 2026. Separately, Energy Capital Partners is reportedly reacquiring nuclear waste management firm Energy Solutions for the second time, while simultaneously sounding out buyers for Graco Roberts.

Venture & Emerging Tech

While traditional PE activity remains high, emerging technology received fresh capital, as AI tax preparation startup Juno raised $12 million to automate tax returns for underserved small and medium-sized accounting firms. This focus on AI implementation contrasts with setbacks in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as OpenAI pausing its Stargate UK data center plans, which impacts partners like Nscale.