Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

European PE Dealmaking & Regulatory Shifts

European merger guidelines are being viewed as a "broad positive" for private equity transactions, according to counsel at Proskauer, even as major firms advance final bids. Specifically, EQT is reportedly in 'final' bid talks to take the testing firm Intertek private, signaling high-stakes activity ahead of potential regulatory clarity. Concurrently, portfolio activity continues, with Bridgepoint-backed NMi Group acquiring TechnoLab, a Berlin-based environmental and mechanical testing laboratory, expanding its footprint in the testing, inspection, and certification sector following its own integration with Bridgepoint's ATIC business.

Tech & Growth Equity Investments

Growth equity investors are actively deploying capital across specialized technology sectors, with Apis & Aspirity co-leading a $175M investment into Paymentology, an issuing and payments processing platform serving fintechs and banks. In the Nordic region, Verdane is acquiring a strategic stake in Telenor Connexion, the Internet of Things unit spun out of the multinational telecom operator Telenor. These deals contrast with broader concerns over talent pipelines, as European quantum startups face a looming commercial talent crunch, potentially impacting the long-term scaling of deep-tech portfolios.

Sports & Media Transactions

Private equity continues to find value in sports and media assets, evidenced by Bruin Capital taking a minority stake in Matchroom Sport, the entity that owns, produces, and promotes major sporting events globally. This strategic investment underscores the sector's confidence in monetizing live content rights. Separately, the LEAP conference has solidified its position as a central global meeting point for international technology executives, suggesting ongoing deal sourcing interest in European innovation hubs despite macroeconomic headwinds.