Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: May 15, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Private Equity M&A Activity Blackstone evaluated take-private bids for Magnum Ice Cream Company as the listed ice cream giant trades below its IPO price, while Blackstone also explored pharmaceutical and life science consulting firms alongside peers Audax and Five Arrows. In aerospace, HIG Capital acquired International Aerospace Coatings, which serves OEMs, airlines, and MRO providers, expanding private equity's footprint in the aviation services sector.

Venture Capital Fundraising Dutch dronemaker Destinus entered €200m funding talks with investors as venture capital continued to flow into emerging technologies, while Meridian Ventures launched a $35M second fund specifically targeting pre-seed and seed-stage companies founded by individuals who deferred MBA programs, with the firm founded by Devon Gethers and Karlton Haney indicating continued specialization in founder-specific investment strategies.

Healthcare & Life Sciences The pharmaceutical sector attracted significant interest from private equity firms as Eir Partners invested in Quartz Bio, a life sciences data analytics company, reflecting how drug R&D complexity is driving specialized investments in healthcare technology platforms that enhance clinical trial efficiency and drug discovery capabilities.