Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking Accelerates

Advent International is nearing a significant exit, poised to sell naval technology group Ultra Maritime for approximately $3.5 billion, with Lockheed Martin reportedly leading the acquisition race. This potential transaction underscores continued private equity appetite for defense sector assets. Meanwhile, the European software sector is seeing active dealmaking, with Main Capital Partners and Volpi Capital completing separate transactions. Sandbrook also announced a substantial €200 million investment in Krios, a platform focused on developing grid-secured land for large-scale data center projects, signaling strong momentum in European digital infrastructure development Sandbrook.

The European startup ecosystem continues to demonstrate its capacity for growth, with approximately one new unicorn emerging each week, according to recent analyses Europe's new model. This surge in billion-dollar companies highlights a maturing venture capital environment. Italian software company Bending Spoons, for instance, is preparing for an $18 billion IPO, with its CEO aiming to build a "legendary institution." The concentration of AI development is also notable, with several AI labs establishing a significant presence in London's King's Cross area AI labs.