Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: May 14, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Dealmaking & Exits

PAI Partners and EQT are preparing to divest World Freight Company to Brookfield Asset Management, marking a significant transaction in the outsourced air cargo management sector. This exit follows recent activity where Gen Nx360 finalized the sale of Precision Aviation to VSE Corporation for an estimated $2bn. Separately, Sunstone Partners announced its backing of Peloton Consulting Group, which specializes in modernizing operations across retail, CPG, and financial services, pointing toward continued private equity interest in operational improvement platforms.

Fundraising & Secondary Markets

Blackstone achieved a landmark fundraising success by securing $1.75bn in the initial public offering of a new blind-pool real estate investment trust, which ranks as the largest of its kind ever listed. Meanwhile, the secondary market shows signs of tightening valuation standards; Houlihan Lokey reported that increased buyside demand and a stronger focus on asset selection have caused the percentage of continuation vehicles (CVs) priced in the lower range to decrease. This market dynamic contrasts with the energy sector, where Houlihan Lokey’s JP Hanson anticipates approximately $30bn worth of oil and gas assets coming to market, potentially influenced by geopolitical events like the Iran War’s impact on upstream M&A.

Infrastructure & Sector Investments

Global capital is converging on large-scale infrastructure plays, evidenced by the launch of a massive new platform targeting the Gulf and Central Asia region. BlackRock’s GIP, alongside Temasek and Abu Dhabi heavyweights L’IMAD and ADNOC, will deploy a partnership aiming for $30bn in regional investments. In more targeted infrastructure support, Good Springs took a stake in environmental services provider Snyder Environmental Services, which services public and private water and wastewater markets. Further afield, construction technology is attracting venture capital, as robotics startup Xpanner secured an $18M Series B round to expand its ‘Automation As A Service’ offerings for construction sites.

Market Signals & Events

While broader PE activity continues, visibility remains important for emerging companies; the deadline for Tech Crunch's Startup Battlefield 200 applications is approaching on May 27, offering access to VC funding and equity-free capital. Separately, the UK’s largest private equity conference is scheduled to return to Warsaw this October, signaling sustained interest in Central European deal flows despite the current rate environment.