Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Fundraising & Strategy

Venture capital saw major activity as Kleiner Perkins successfully closed $3.5 billion across new funds, comprising $1 billion designated for KP22 to back early-stage technology and $2.5 billion for growth-stage plays, signaling continued appetite for high-growth tech assets. Meanwhile, sector specialization appears to be driving deal flow, with New Mountain Atlas leveraging its dedicated teams to lead and co-lead buyout transactions, aiming to stay ahead of traditional processes. Expanding the focus into diversity, BRK Capital is currently gathering $14.5 million toward its $50 million target for Fund II, specifically earmarked for investments in Black founders.

Major Transactions & Acquisitions

Large-scale acquisitions across industrials and consumer goods characterized the market's transaction flow. Apollo-managed funds agreed to buy Nippon Sheet Glass for approximately $3.7 billion, representing the largest private equity investment recorded in Japan recently. In the consumer space, Advent is expanding its beauty focus by acquiring a majority stake in premium body care brand Salt & Stone for $165 million, which will result in an exit for minority investor Humble Growth. Further consolidation occurred in environmental services, where Goldner Hawn acquired Lone Star Environmental Companies, which operates across the Houston and San Antonio markets.

Exits & Secondary Markets

Firms are actively managing portfolio value through strategic exits, though results vary. Advent partially exited its stake in online review platform Trustpilot by selling £46 million worth of shares, a move that triggered a sharp decline in the company's stock price following the discounted sale. In real estate, Blackstone is moving to realize gains from its Paris acquisition, appointing Knight Frank to market a €100 million portfolio of Parisian apartments as part of its value creation strategy following the initial €700 million purchase. Separately, Generate Capital completed the sale of greenhouse operator Equinox Growers to Taylor Farms, supporting regional food supply chains.

Sector-Specific Investments

Private equity demonstrated particular interest in regulated sectors and specialized software. In wealth management, WPCG and HGGC are jointly investing in RIA Verdence, a transaction that includes the sale of Emigrant Partners’ existing stake. Technology investments spanned several verticals: GTCR-backed Ascent Sports Group acquired sports tech firm Live Barn, a platform established only in early 2026, while TSCP invested in govtech firm Karpel, which services prosecutor and public defender offices. Furthermore, Main Post backed pretzel maker Stellar Snacks, which boasts nationwide distribution across major retailers like Costco and Target.

Mid-Market Dealmaking & Infrastructure

The mid-market segment saw activity in niche areas, including infrastructure and specialized services. Turnspire Capital Partners is expected to collect first-round bids in mid-April for its municipal water utility service provider, USG Water Solutions, as sources indicate the sale process is advancing. In energy infrastructure, Hull Street agreed to purchase two power generation facilities from Rockland, specifically a natural gas plant in Illinois and a dual-fuel facility in Ohio. Meanwhile, Southfield made an investment in recruitment firm Metric Search, which focuses on the medtech life sciences and data center sectors.