HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing

Private Equity 8 Hours

×
13 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

PE Firms Navigate European Deal Landscape and Sector Trends

Tower Brook Capital Partners agrees to acquire DCC Energy for an undisclosed sum, signaling continued US private equity interest in European assets despite regulatory hurdles and lower multiples compared to the US market. Joseph Knoll of Tower Brook noted that while opportunities in Europe are plentiful, dealmaking presents unique challenges. He highlighted services, particularly business, financial, and healthcare services, as strong investment areas, citing AI's potential to significantly enhance productivity and customer outcomes. Knoll also pointed to the consumer vertical as promising, where AI can similarly drive improvements.

Deal Activity and Fundraising in Technology and Services

Mutares is set to acquire the car-sharing business Free2move from Stellantis, which operates in 14 cities across Europe and the US. In the cybersecurity sector, startups at the intersection of AI and security have collectively raised $855 million across more than 150 seed-stage funding rounds this year, underscoring robust investor appetite for AI-driven solutions. Separately, FEP has acquired Bravo Fit, the Australian franchisee of Planet Fitness. This transaction sees Planet Fitness exit its minority ownership position.

Venture Capital and Secondary Market Movements

BC Partners is acquiring a co-control stake in Info RLife, a Swiss CDMO specializing in ready-to-use IV infusion bags for hospitals. The company was founded in 2002 as a division of ACS Dobfar and operates facilities in Switzerland, Romania, and Tunisia. In the venture capital space, ETH Zurich spinout Zuri Q secured $25.5 million in seed funding. Meanwhile, on the secondary market, Step Stone led a £140 million deal for Premier Modular, a modular buildings provider partially owned by MML, which had previously raised £360 million from European infrastructure investors.

Firm Restructuring and Talent Departures

Visionaries is streamlining its investment team to two lead partners for its next fund, indicating a shift in operational strategy. In Asia, Affinity has experienced another senior executive departure, marking at least nine senior departures since the start of 2023, including four partners in the last twelve months.