Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

Private equity firms are actively pursuing acquisitions across diverse sectors, with a notable focus on specialized industrial and financial services companies. H.I.G. Capital has finalized its purchase of Premier Forge Group, a US-based manufacturer of mission-critical forged components for the aerospace, defense, and specialty industrial markets. In a separate transaction, a JC Flowers-led consortium, including Nowlake Technology, is set to acquire Republic Finance, signaling continued interest in financial services assets. Meanwhile, Bridgepoint is expanding its US real estate footprint with the approximately $1.39 billion acquisition of Kayne Anderson Real Estate, which manages around $22 billion in assets. This move, also noted for its connection to mental health and neurodiversity M&A, sees Bridgepoint acquiring Kayne Anderson Real Estate for about $1.39bn.

The lower mid-market continues to present attractive opportunities for private equity investors, particularly amidst geopolitical instability and fluctuating interest rates. Jennifer Pereira of Fengate highlighted that operational improvements are a key driver of value creation in this segment, emphasizing the rewards for firms demonstrating cash discipline, pricing power, and managerial maturity. This strategic focus is reflected in deals such as Carr’s Hill-backed Smart Gulf, which acquired safety firms AMC Safety and Safe Construction Consulting to bolster its workplace safety offerings. The ongoing trend of billion-dollar startup exits, reaching levels not seen since the 2021 peak, also indicates a potentially fertile ground for future deal-making and exits.

Sector-Specific Investments & Exits

Investment activity is evident in the energy and food ingredients sectors, alongside a growing trend in specialized industrial acquisitions. San Mateo Midstream is poised to acquire Cardinal Midstream, an EnCap-backed midstream energy company, for $752 million, underscoring continued investment in oil and gas infrastructure. In the food sector, CVC Capital Partners has agreed to purchase Italian B2B food-ingredients manufacturer Irca from Advent. This acquisition follows a period where Irca's revenue quadrupled, demonstrating CVC's interest in high-growth specialized manufacturing businesses.

The defense sector's political complexities are presenting challenges for private equity strategies, as noted in discussions around defense politics. Despite these headwinds, firms continue to engage in the sector, with H.I.G. Capital acquiring Premier Forge Group, a manufacturer of mission-critical components for aerospace and defense. This indicates a persistent appetite for specialized industrial assets that cater to sensitive industries, even as broader geopolitical factors influence strategic planning.

Firm Personnel & LP Trends

Private equity firms are bolstering their investment teams with experienced hires, while limited partners are sharing insights on content consumption. Strategic Value Partners has appointed Jean Baptiste de Boissieu as a managing director to its European investment team, bringing him from Davidson Kempner. Concurrently, investors such as CalPERS, IMAS Foundation, and Aware Super are sharing their preferred reading and podcast recommendations for the summer, reflecting an ongoing focus on learning and professional development within the LP community. This sharing of intellectual capital, alongside strategic hires, underscores the continuous effort by PE firms and their investors to navigate and capitalize on market dynamics.