Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 24, 2026, 1:30 PM ET

Venture & Growth Capital Fundraising and Exits

Kleiner Perkins announced a substantial fundraising effort, securing $3.5 billion across new vehicles, including $1 billion designated for KP22 to back early-stage technology companies and $2.5 billion aimed at growth-stage private equity opportunities, reflecting continued LP demand for AI-centric exposure. In contrast to new capital raises, Advent partially exited its stake in online review platform Trustpilot, selling £46 million worth of shares which triggered a sharp decline in the stock price following the discounted transaction. Furthermore, generative AI concerns are reportedly disrupting secondaries processes across the market, though some GPs feel their own AI initiatives are falling short of expectations.

Buyout Activity Across Sectors

Advent continued building its consumer footprint by agreeing to acquire a majority stake in premium body care brand Salt & Stone for $165 million, a deal that will see existing minority investor Humble Growth exit its 2024 investment. In the financial services space, WPCG and HGGC partnered to invest in registered investment advisor Verdence, as part of a transaction involving the sale of Emigrant Partners, LLC’s existing stake. Elsewhere in specialized investment, Goldner Hawn acquired Lone Star Environmental Companies, which services the greater Houston and San Antonio markets, while Southfield invested in recruitment firm Metric Search, targeting the medtech, life sciences, and data center staffing needs.

Mega-Deals and Strategic Portfolio Moves

Apollo-managed funds are leading a massive commitment in Japan, agreeing to acquire Nippon Sheet Glass in a transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion, marking one of the largest private equity investments in the country. Simultaneously, Apollo is competing alongside Bain Capital in the bidding race for Continental’s industrial unit, Conti Tech, in a process reportedly valued near €4 billion. On the divestiture front, Blackstone is moving to realize value from its Paris acquisition, marketing a portfolio of apartments for an estimated €100 million disposal from the larger €700 million deal. GI Partners is also advancing sale discussions for American Residential Services, a process that could value the firm at $3.5 billion.

Infrastructure, Software, & Specialized Investments

GTCR-backed Ascent Sports Group acquired sports technology and media platform Live Barn, which was established in January 2026, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. In the software sector, Main Capital invested in Gingco Systems, a developer of modular enterprise resource management software for intelligent workplace solutions. Meanwhile, power asset manager Hull Street committed to purchasing two generating stations from Rockland: the natural gas Lee County facility in Illinois and the dual-fuel Tait Electric facility in Ohio. In the public sector technology domain, TSCP invested in govtech firm Karpel, which services prosecutor and public defender offices nationwide.

Secondaries Strategy and Sector Focus

New Mountain Atlas is leveraging its sector-focused teams to lead and co-lead GP-led buyout deals, moving beyond solely utilizing its secondaries hires, according to co-head Neal Costello. In the government and defense technology space, Blue Fire Equity recently executed its first platform investment by acquiring Jovian Concepts in March, according to managing director Farrah Holder. Separately, Princeton Equity Group backed children’s education provider Kid Strong, which has expanded rapidly through franchising since 2019 to encompass 184 centers supporting over 85,000 members.

Ongoing Sales Processes and Market Indicators

Turnspire Capital Partners is preparing to collect first-round bids in mid-April for its municipal water utility service provider, USG Water Solutions, signaling active mid-market sales processes. Financial technology firms in the UK and Ireland are showing strength, with reports detailing the 10 fastest-growing fintechs by revenue, even as companies like Revolut report record profits ahead of further expansion. Finally, in the Nordic region, Altor has agreed to a deal for an electrical installation services provider, even as the UK's Competition and Markets Authority finalized new reforms impacting the pet care industry.