Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

Private equity firms continue to pursue a diverse range of investments, from health tech and consumer goods to infrastructure and aerospace. Peak Rock has acquired health tech firm Asembia, which also operates a specialty pharmacy conference. In the consumer sector, Cinven is backing the merger of its portfolio company Vitamin Well Group with EMPWR, a maker of nutrition bars, in a deal that brings Barebells' primary producer in-house. Separately, Apheon is reportedly in talks to acquire Teknimed, a manufacturer of orthopedic bone cements and biomaterials.

In the industrial and services sectors, Garnett Station is reportedly collecting first-round bids for its auto services provider Goodturn, with potential buyers offering an EBITDA multiple of 13x-15x. Meritus Gas Partners, a portfolio company of AEA Enterprise, has expanded its helium solutions business with the acquisition of HICO by its subsidiary Buckeye Welding Supply. The aerospace sector also saw activity, with Inflexion agreeing to sell its aerospace supplier Avantus to US buyout firm Arcline Investment.

Fundraising, Exits & Sector Trends

Amidst ongoing deal activity, private equity firms are also focusing on fundraising and strategic exits. BCI, a global private equity investor, has launched a capital solutions strategy, noting that while more limited partners (LPs) are engaging directly in co-investments and secondaries, this remains an exception. In infrastructure, CVC DIF, the infrastructure arm of CVC, has agreed to sell its Polish wind farm portfolio, Klara Renewables, to Actis.

The shipping sector, which has seen significant attention following geopolitical tensions, is also a focus for exits. KKR has agreed to sell its Ocean Yield ship leasing platform, which holds interests in over 70 vessels, to AP Moller. Global startup investment reached a record $510 billion in the first half of 2026, with the second quarter alone seeing over $200 billion poured into startups, signaling a robust environment for exits. This surge in funding is largely driven by the ongoing AI boom, which is also impacting traditional private equity software investments, creating uncertainty and requiring investors to identify managers capable of adapting to the evolving landscape.

AI, Defense & Emerging Strategies

The pervasive influence of artificial intelligence is reshaping investment strategies across the board, prompting some founders to place significant bets on physical AI applications. This trend is also influencing venture capital, with companies like Anthropic releasing new models that are putting science startups on the defensive. The drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has raised $1.2 billion, with ambitions extending to humanoid robotics.

In parallel, defense-related strategies are attracting LP interest, with an estimated $9 trillion spending spree anticipated over the next decade presenting opportunities. The European Union is also working to finalize a €5 billion Scaleup fund, with ongoing negotiations addressing a quota standoff between the UK and France. Efforts to broaden access to the startup ecosystem include initiatives like Common Ventures' scheme to place working-class graduates into startup roles. Meanwhile, software providers for specific sectors, such as Main Capital-backed Uname IT's acquisition of Denmark's Auto IT, continue to be targets for mid-market buyouts. In a significant bidding war, Bain Capital and SoftBank's LY Corp have sweetened their offer for Japanese price-comparison operator Kakaku.com to $4.1 billion, extending their lead over competitor EQT.