Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking Continues Across Sectors

Private equity firms were active across a range of industries, announcing new acquisitions and investments. Partners agreed software firm Quantios from Hg, a company formed through previous mergers involving EQT. In the waste management sector, Macquarie is preparing to sell Win Waste, which is expected to attract interest from strategic buyers and infrastructure funds. Carlyle-backed Included healthcare company Firefly Health. Separately, scooped up wealth management firm Berger Financial Group, which manages over $3 billion in assets for more than 3,800 clients. OpenGate Capital Merak, Knorr-Bremse’s rail HVAC unit, a business with over 60 years of engineering experience. Further consolidating the packaging sector medical packaging firm Centor and another plastic packaging company from Gerresheimer for €1.5 billion, with the combined entities generating approximately €570 million in revenue in 2025.

Infrastructure and Healthcare See Significant Capital Inflows

Infrastructure and healthcare platforms attracted substantial investment. led $1.5 in the infrastructure platform Eaton Fiber, with the capital earmarked for accelerating Verizon's fiber broadband expansion across the U.S. In another healthcare transaction Eagle Tree-backed Water Fleet for $200 million. Water Fleet provides mobile water and wastewater utility services. Additionally, Gemspring-backed Key with utility services firm Palouse Power, expanding their construction and maintenance services across electric infrastructure.

Packaging and Ingredients Drive Strategic Acquisitions

Strategic acquisitions in the packaging and ingredients sectors were notable. Apax set Centor, a medical packaging firm, and another plastic packaging company from Gerresheimer for €1.5 billion. These businesses together generated around €570 million in revenue in 2025. In the ingredients space a portfolio of natural ingredients businesses from IFF.

Secondary Markets and Regional Activity

The secondary market continues to see robust activity, particularly in real estate. Secondaries funds a significant share of capital commitments, representing 4% of private real estate fundraising in 2025. Meanwhile, the UK for private equity, benefiting from increased investor allocation towards Europe amidst global macroeconomic concerns.

Exits and Strategic Investments

Several firms announced successful exits and further strategic investments. Juniper Capital Andes Coil Processors, marking its 11th exit from 12 total investments. Providence made in talent agency The Team, with the capital intended for acquiring the founder's remaining ownership stake.

Emerging Startups and AI's Role in Value Creation

The startup ecosystem saw new funding rounds, with a focus on enterprise sales and AI. engineers raised $15 million in Series A funding for their new startup Centralize, which aims to build a "deal GPS" for enterprise sales. Discussions around artificial intelligence's impact on value creation continue, with some about GPs overpromising and underdelivering on AI-driven growth. However, some argue that will primarily benefit middle-market technology companies rather than large incumbents or AI-native startups.