Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Strategy

CPP Investments committed $1.75 billion to EQT's artificial intelligence infrastructure strategy, a significant allocation that anchors the Swedish firm's expansion in data center development with partner Edge Conne X. This large-scale investment signals a strong institutional appetite for AI-related physical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Eurazeo exited its Spanish hotel portfolio, FST Hotels, divesting to hospitality specialist Extendam, indicating a shift in asset focus for the French investment firm.

In the venture capital space, European VC firms are splitting over proposed limitations on non-European investments, raising questions about the future direction of EU-backed startup funding and potential protectionist sentiments. Separately, ElevenLabs is reportedly seeking a $22 billion valuation in a new share sale, reflecting the booming demand for advanced AI voice generation technology. The European Union's long-standing initiative to convert startup placements into patents continues to mature, showcasing a sustained commitment to fostering innovation and intellectual property development within the bloc.

On the consulting and advisory front, the Town of Wellesley is seeking an investment consultant for its retirement board and Other Post-Employment Benefits trust, signaling ongoing due diligence and asset allocation planning for municipal pension funds. In Asia, Evercore has bolstered its secondaries team with a new hire from Harbour Vest, addressing a key talent gap in the region's growing private equity secondaries market. The European digital infrastructure sector is experiencing significant momentum, with firms like Sandbrook making substantial investments in data center land development, as exemplified by a €200 million commitment to Krios.