Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Healthcare & Health Technology

A merger between GHO Capital and CBC Group creates a $21 billion healthcare investment giant, with co-founders Mike Mortimer and Fu Wei serving as co-CEOs of the combined entity. The deal follows Bregal Sagemount and Ardian's investment in health tech firm Ennov, which will accelerate AI innovation and global expansion for the clinical trials technology provider. In the fertility space, Gaia's AI-driven IVF platform leverages machine learning trained on millions of anonymized patient outcomes to improve treatment probability assessments, emerging from a founder's personal six-figure fertility journey. Meanwhile, Nautic-backed Integrated Home Care Services acquired Dina Care to expand its in-home benefit management platform serving Florida's growing senior population.

Technology & Identity Security

Carlyle's five-year investment in iC Consult generated 20% annual revenue growth by capitalizing on rising enterprise demand for identity security solutions, with the company now pending sale to Bridgepoint. The cybersecurity firm's expansion included strategic acquisitions and geographic diversification across European markets. Separately, Chinese robotics companies raised $5.6 billion across 176 deals through mid-May, matching total 2023 funding as embodied AI drives record venture investment and IPO momentum builds in the sector.

Sports, Consumer & Manufacturing

Arctos Partners acquired a 10% stake in the Cleveland Browns at a $9 billion valuation, marking the latest institutional investment in NFL franchise values that have doubled over the past decade. The private equity firm joins a growing list of institutional investors seeking exposure to professional sports franchises. In consumer wellness, Yellow Wood-backed Scholl's Wellness Company purchased athletic performance brand Vktry to expand beyond foot care into performance footwear. Manufacturing activity saw GreyLion invest in Tanis Brush, a precision cleaning and surface conditioning manufacturer serving aerospace, automotive and medical device end markets, while Post Oak completed the sale of UpCurve Energy assets located in the Southern Delaware Basin of West Texas.

Specialty Services & Business Services

TSCP-backed PestCo acquired University Termite & Pest Control to consolidate residential and commercial pest control services in the St. Louis market, adding to the company's regional footprint. The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in the fragmented pest control industry, where private equity firms have deployed over $2 billion in platform investments since 2020.

Secondaries & Fund Structure Evolution

Extended holding periods are reshaping private equity fund structures as institutional investors seek longer-duration returns amid market volatility, while GP minority stake sales raise fund diligence questions for limited partners evaluating manager alignment and continuity risks. Swiss Federal Pension Fund Publica plans a $1.1 billion direct lending allocation as pension funds globally increase private credit exposure, targeting floating-rate income in a rising rate environment. Investec's Callum Bell advocates secondaries strategies as an accelerator for platform growth, with the firm's European senior debt fund launched through an innovative secondaries process backed by Carlyle Alp Invest. Aqualis targets underserved smaller secondaries transactions with its debut fund, while Q1 2026 saw 27 continuation fund transactions close with nine involving asset classes beyond private equity.