Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

PE Deal Activity

Salt Creek acquired medical device packaging firm MML Diagnostics, promoting operations chief Geoffrey Pestes to CEO after more than a decade with the company. Separately, Wynnchurch-backed EMS snapped up aluminum distributor American Metals Supply, headquartered in Lake Worth, Florida, expanding its footprint in the metals distribution sector.

Fund Management & Exits

Bain Capital and General Atlantic are among the PE bidders for bubble tea chain Gong Cha, while TA Associates is targeting a $2bn exit from its portfolio. Meanwhile, EQT beat Atomico to win the mandate to manage the new €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, outpacing rival venture capital firms.

Private Credit Expansion

Citi and BlackRock's HPS Investment Partners have launched a €15bn private credit program dedicated to expanding direct lending across the EMEA region, providing flexible financing to corporate and sponsor-owned borrowers.