Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Mid-Market Dealmaking & Sector Focus

The middle market saw several strategic transactions this period, including Gallant Capital backing food labeling manufacturer NCCO, which supplies North American and European food service operators. Concurrently, Stone-Goff invested in real estate technology firm 5Q Partners, immediately following 5Q’s acquisition of professional services firm One11 Advisors in Georgia. In the home furnishings space, Quad-C Management entered into an investment with wallcovering designer Thibaut, whose portfolio includes the Anna French and Coraggio brands. Meanwhile, Argosy completed its exit from aerospace supplier InTech Aerospace following its acquisition by CCE Group.

Mega-Deals and Fundraising Momentum

Large-cap private equity activity showed continued interest in specialized sectors, with EQT advancing its bid for Volkswagen’s marine engine unit, Everllence, valued around €8bn, securing support from the Qatar Investment Authority and Porsche Automobil Holding. Supporting the buyout structure, Ardian arranged a unitranche financing package to back IK Partners' leveraged buyout of French wealth manager Rhétorès Group. Separately, European mid-market specialist Verdane is marketing its next flagship fund, Edda IV, aiming for a €1.6bn close, more than double the size of its predecessor.

Advisory & Valuation Moves

The M&A advisory segment experienced a strategic acquisition aimed at enhancing specialized valuation capabilities, as William Blair secured expertise via the purchase of Inner Circle Sports, whose managing director noted the target possesses "real expertise in valuations around sports franchises." In the venture capital sphere, while agriculture technology startups are experiencing a drier funding climate with deal counts falling, the valuation environment for leading AI firms remains astronomical, as Anthropic is reportedly engaging in talks for a $30bn capital raise that would value the company above $900bn.

Industry Events & Corporate Policy

the European private equity calendar includes Benelux's largest conference returning to Amsterdam in September, signaling continued regional focus. In corporate compensation news, a policy by the firm Lovable offering employees a 10% raise on work anniversaries is unlikely to gain widespread traction across the broader industry, according to analysis published today.