Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Fundraising and Flagships

European private equity firms are showing renewed momentum in capital raising, with BC Partners securing €2.2bn (approximately $2.5 at the first close of its latest flagship vehicle amid a perceived shift in the European market focus. Concurrently, Beijing’s GL Capital held a $385 million first close for its GCOF V fund, which is targeting an $800 million raise primarily for buyout investments in China. This contrasts with the ongoing liquidity concerns faced by UK limited partners who are grappling with ongoing confusion over climate change disclosures.

Dealmaking Activity and Exits

Activity across various sectors saw several notable transactions, including Court Square divesting Kodiak Building Products to North American distributor QXO for $2.25 billion, marking a swift exit for the seller. In aerospace and defense, HIG acquired aviation security firm GEG from its seller, Securitas AB, while Godspeed backed Galt Aerospace, which supports US Marine Corps and Navy operations. Furthermore, industrial consolidation continued as Monument-backed EarthWay Products merged with lawn and garden firm Border Concepts, and Mutares completed the carve-out of Hamberger Industriewerke’s parquet flooring business.

Continuation Funds and Secondary Markets

Continuation funds demonstrated continued market acceptance, with L Squared closing a deal led by Harbour Vest Partners for its portfolio manufacturer BTX Precision. Separately, ACP finalized a $405 million continuation fund for the legal tech firm Proceed, which it rebranded after completing twelve add-on acquisitions since acquiring Counsel Press in October 2023. Liquidity pressures are reshaping LP approaches, leading to a growing focus on exits and the increasing prominence of evergreen capital structures, according to market observers grappling with shifting terms.

Sector-Specific Investments and Consolidation

Investment targeting niche growth areas continued, with Eir Partners infusing capital into health tech firm Long Tail to scale its proprietary data network, and Stella Point taking a stake in fintech company TRX Services. In the consumer space, Windjammer snapped up manufacturer PrecisionX, which Core Capital had initially backed in February 2023. Meanwhile, in real estate, Starwood Capital Group successfully exited the Radisson Blu Leicester Square property in a prime London hotel deal to a private family office.

Talent Moves and Platform Scaling

Firms are actively restructuring leadership to scale specialized platforms. CVC DIF appointed Enrico Del Prete as Partner and Co-Head of its Value-Add strategy, aimed at managing its $25 billion asset base. In a parallel move, Partners Group named Pete Zippelius as Co-Head of its Private Equity Health & Life vertical, drawing on his background at Leonard Green to oversee $13.2 billion in assets and value creation initiatives. Elsewhere in leadership changes, Matt Clifford stepped down after 15 years leading Entrepreneurs First, while Brighstar tapped Eric Epstein to become partner and co-chair effective May 2026.

Regulatory Focus and Wealth Dynamics

The massive $1.8 trillion private credit market is drawing increased scrutiny from Washington, prompting major players like Blackstone and Ares to engage with lawmakers. This regulatory focus occurs while private wealth managers are rapidly scaling their capital-raising efforts without always possessing a clear view of the ultimate source of that capital, a trend Liz Gaffney of Investor Flow described as changing operating models. In related UK news, pension providers are committing £200 million to a fund designed to bolster homegrown startups, although LPs still face uncertainty regarding climate reporting.

Venture Context and Competition

While private equity focuses on buyouts and growth, the venture ecosystem saw unprecedented activity, with Q1 2026 shattering records by pouring nearly $300 billion into startups, largely driven by AI compute spending. In competitive deal-making, EQT and Atomico are vying to manage a significant €5 billion European Union fund. Separately, Abu Dhabi’s 2Point Zero agreed to acquire Traverse Midstream Partners for $2.25 billion as part of a larger funding round targeting specialized assets.