Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 31, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Private Equity Deal Activity & Exits

The middle market saw a flurry of transactions as 26North moved to acquire the tech firm Intermedia Intelligent Communications from its current owner, Madison Dearborn Partners, signaling continued appetite for specialized software providers. In a related infrastructure move, Oak Hill finalized its buyout of internet provider Hunter Communications, where Michael Wynschenk is set to continue leading management. Meanwhile, exits saw HGGC divest Grand Fitness Partners, a Planet Fitness franchisee, to Flynn Group, an exit that also allowed Monogram Capital Partners to fully realize its remaining stake following HGGC’s initial 2021 investment. Furthermore, Maven completed its exit of Access Pay, a software product linking back-office finance systems to banking platforms, selling the firm to Accel-KKR.

Healthcare & Industrials Investments

Activity in niche sectors remains strong, exemplified by Quad-C injecting capital into independent medical exam provider Dane Street, where CEO Greg Powers and his management team are slated to remain in place. In the aerospace and defense space, TA Associates made a strategic investment in iBase-t to accelerate the scaling of its AI-driven manufacturing platform, deepening PE exposure to artificial intelligence integration within traditional industries. Further consolidation occurred in the security services vertical, as a Hyperion-backed firm acquired Total Fire Group; Ranger Fire and Security is now integrating the UK and Ireland-focused Total Fire Group to expand its footprint. Separately, Closed Loop Partners scooped up Sutter Metals, a move suggesting further investment in circular economy infrastructure, led by Sutter Metals CEO Chad Sutter.

Firm Strategy, Growth Capital, and Personnel Changes

Firms continued to bolster their investment teams and raise capital, preparing for sustained deal flow. Angeles Equity Partners appointed Derek Rush as Vice President to concentrate on evaluating and managing new investments across the industrials sector. Simultaneously, Lime Rock promoted Jeffrey Scofield to President and Dylan Blackford to Managing Director, reflecting internal succession planning. On the fundraising front, private credit manager 17Capital closed a record $7.5 billion for its Credit Fund, establishing a new high-water mark for net asset value (NAV) loan funds amid accelerating demand for private equity financing solutions.

Strategic Acquisitions and Valuation Milestones

Major capital deployment continued across various asset classes, including a significant European carve-out and high-growth technology funding. CapVest formally completed its acquisition of the pharmaceutical company Stada, following the September 2025 agreement with previous owners Bain Capital and Cinven to purchase a majority stake. In a separate carve-out action, Aurelius plans to divest its airline catering business, LSG Asia-Pacific, which it had initially acquired from Deutsche Lufthansa in 2023. Separately, the wearable technology sector saw a substantial growth round, as wearable fitness tech Whoop raised $575 million in Series G funding, achieving a $10.1 billion valuation supported by institutional investors alongside celebrity and athlete backers. Concurrently, European credit data startup 9fin achieved unicorn status after securing $170 million in new financing.

Consulting & AI Ecosystem Support

The ecosystem supporting private equity deal-making also saw consolidation, with Carlyle taking a majority stake in MAI Capital. In a parallel transaction aimed at bolstering advisory services, Investcorp-backed Resultant acquired Liberty Advisor Group, a Chicago-based consultancy specializing in M&A advisory for PE firms and Fortune 500 clients. In the sphere of emerging technology, Runway launched a new fund totaling $10 million, alongside a dedicated Builders program, intended to back early-stage startups utilizing its AI video models to push toward real-time video intelligence applications.