Private Equity 3 Hours

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Fund Activity

Private equity firms are actively pursuing investments across diverse sectors, from consumer goods to live events and technology. CVC Capital Partners is weighing a €6bn exit from its stake in Cooper Consumer Health, with drugmaker Stada reportedly circling as a potential buyer. In the consumer space, L Catterton has made a significant minority investment in clean haircare brand RŌZ, founded by celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak. The live events sector is experiencing a surge in private equity interest, with Apollo, Hellman & Friedman, and Platinum Equity investing in companies within the space. Meanwhile, Berkshire Partners is set to invest C$1.775 billion in Harbourfront Wealth Group, and Juniper Capital is backing AV systems design firm Bug ID, with founder Matt Lavine retaining a meaningful equity stake.

Sector Focus & Strategy

Within the broader private equity landscape, there is a notable push into niche and growing markets, including life sciences and infrastructure. PE-backed Life Science Connect is acquiring biopharma brands Pharma Source and CDMO Live to create a biopharma outsourcing platform, consolidating brands like CDMO Live Europe and Americas. In infrastructure, Pantheon's and Ardian's latest flagship funds are among the largest in the secondaries market, exceeding their fundraising targets. The college sports sector is also attracting attention, with KKR-owned Arctos Partners backing a $288 million stadium district in Tennessee as part of a broader strategy to develop mixed-use entertainment areas adjacent to sports venues.

Market Sentiment & Emerging Trends

Investor sentiment towards private equity is showing divergence, with some institutions tempering allocations while others embrace new structures. The Virginia pension system has cut its private equity target for the first time in over 15 years, citing market volatility concerns. Conversely, limited partners are indicating that co-investment vehicles (CVs) are likely to remain a fixture in the PE landscape, with the proportion of general partners utilizing such mechanisms doubling. This growing appetite for bespoke Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) is, however, creating operational challenges for some firms. Japan's upcoming tax overhaul could also temporarily boost M&A activity this year ahead of significant changes slated for 2027, presenting a potential succession opportunity for private equity.