Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: May 29, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

M&A & Credit Activity Visma expanded its deal pipeline by targeting mid‑market software firms, a shift that has already produced more than 30 acquisitions worth roughly €10bn and positions the Nordic group to outpace rivals in fragmented ERP markets. At the same time, Apollo and Blackstone syndicated a record $36bn loan to fund Anthropic’s next‑generation AI models, a private‑credit tranche that dwarfs typical tech financing and signals lenders’ appetite for deep‑pocketed AI exposure despite elevated borrowing costs.

Sustainability‑Focused Deals Eurazeo secured a controlling interest in T1A Group as part of its Planetary Boundaries Fund, acquiring the circular‑IT provider for an undisclosed sum but emphasizing the firm’s ability to extend the lifecycle of end‑of‑use equipment, cut CO₂ emissions by up to 30% and slash e‑waste volumes. The fund’s entry into Denmark, announced alongside Tikehau and Omni Partners bolstering regional teams, underscores a broader European thrust to channel capital into climate‑positive assets, with Eurazeo pledging to allocate a substantial portion of its €1.2bn fund to circular economy ventures.

AI, Legaltech & Founder Outlook Inherent raised $50m from a consortium of venture firms to commercialize AI‑driven scientific discovery tools, highlighting the growing convergence of deep‑learning research and biotech applications. Meanwhile, a Sifted survey of legaltech startups identified eight European firms that have doubled headcount in the past year, reflecting robust demand for automated contract analysis and compliance solutions. Complementing this trend, an ex‑Spotify executive launched an AI platform that grades early‑stage startups, claiming it can filter out “90% bollocks” and streamline due‑diligence for investors as reported. The same outlet cautioned against the default narrative that European founders must relocate to the United States, arguing that thriving local ecosystems and supportive capital pools now make staying in Europe a viable growth strategy see analysis.