Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Deal Activity Picks Up as Private Equity Firms Target Specific Sectors

Searchlight Capital sees a narrowing bid-ask gap on quality assets, expecting selective deal activity to increase in the second half of the year. James Redmayne of Searchlight identified business-to-business events and blue-collar services as "high-conviction" areas for the firm. He also noted a bifurcation in the market, with premium assets showing resilience while more cyclical or AI-exposed businesses struggle. PSG Equity is making a majority growth investment in Bright Analytics, a Belgian corporate performance management software provider serving over 1,300 customers across Europe. Separately, Arrow Global has signed a deal to acquire Fusion Specialty Group, a managing general agent that has written approximately £290 million in gross premiums.

European Venture Capital Sees New Funds and Growth Investments

Europe's venture capital scene is showing signs of new fund formation and significant investments in growing startups. World Fund are among the backers of Quantum Diamonds' €91 million funding round. This activity occurs as the region sees the emergence of new funds in the first half of 2026. The landscape also includes stealth founders leveraging artificial intelligence to disrupt industries they previously worked in, alongside a list of the 50 fastest-growing European startup teams in the same period.