Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Sector Focus

German firm Mutares mulls US expansion as its profile in North America grows, following its agreement to absorb the Americas and Europe ETP business from petrochemicals giant Sabic. This movement toward the U.S. aligns with sector trends, as the assurance, testing, inspection, and certification (ATIC) space remains a focus for capital deployment, exemplified by EQT increasing its offer for a listed ATIC services provider. Furthermore, in the contract furniture segment, Triton-backed Flokk acquired Spec Furniture, which supplies key areas including healthcare, education, and corporate environments across the U.S. and Canada.

Firm Strategy & Personnel Moves

Amid structural shifts in European technology funding, a former Creandum partner launched a new fund specifically designed to help scaling technology companies secure growth capital through the issuance of bonds rather than traditional equity rounds, addressing capital needs outside standard venture pathways. Separately, internal promotions signal personnel focus at established managers; Bowmark elevated three professionals, naming Jamal Lakhani as investment director while promoting Inderpal Lall and Oleksandra Rovinska to investment manager roles, signaling continuity in their deal teams. The broader European ecosystem continues to see activity, with eleven key AI operators identified for watch across the continent, suggesting where future PE and VC interest may concentrate.