Private Equity 8 Hours

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

Mega-Deals and Strategic Carve-Outs Dominate Landscape

Platinum Equity half of Nestlé's waters and premium beverages business for $3.4bn, forming a new company named Peranel at a €4.9bn ($5.6bn) enterprise value. In a separate blockbuster transaction, KKR and Energy Capital Partners are set to take over DCC for £5.75bn ($7.78bn), securing board recommendation despite shareholder objections. Blackstone also, acquiring ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision from Koch, while simultaneously reportedly exploring the sale of Macquarie-backed waste-to-energy firm Win Waste. Additionally, agreed acquire UK vitamins leader Vitabiotics for approximately £900m ($1.2bn) in a move aimed at international growth. Partners taking of agency THE·TEAM following a buyout of founder Casey Wasserman.

Fundraising Momentum Continues Across Tiers

Savano has closed an oversubscribed direct secondaries fund, which has already made 12 investments. Brookfield has raised around $2bn at the first close of its Middle East buyout fund, anchored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. In the venture capital space, Insight Partners led a $50 million Series C round for London-based Inforcer, which aims to help smaller businesses navigate AI and security risks. Separately, gearing up for what could be its largest flagship fundraise to date, while Tikehau is making a series of realizations.

Sector-Specific Investments and M&A Activity

Blackstone and Colony IM are set to acquire Accor's approximately 30.7% stake in hotel owner Essendi for up to €975m ($1.12bn). Separately, TSG Consumer body care brand Saltair, which was previously backed by Prelude Growth Partners. In infrastructure and energy a €1.2bn ($1.38bn) management buyout of Irish Continental Group led by CEO Eamonn Rothwell. MRC is backing Nexus Power to support its geographic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and team growth. Dominus is investing in traffic products manufacturer Pelco Solutions, with the management team remaining significant shareholders.

Secondary Market Activity and Strategic Shifting

Hamilton Lane a single-asset continuation vehicle for wealth management asset firm Savant Capital Holdings. Meanwhile, Evercore significantly its private capital advisory unit in APAC, more than doubling headcount since February to capitalize on secondaries growth in the region. This activity comes as the private equity "logjam" with its latest fund.

Venture Capital Trends and Investor Strategies

VCs increasingly within their portfolio companies, signaling a shift in strategy. Vanessa Larco evaluating startups based on founder potential and their leverage of AI, rather than solely on initial ideas. This focus on AI is echoed by to help businesses prepare for AI-related security risks.

Valuation Disciplines and Operational Focus

Sweden's €126.7bn that disciplined entry pricing is directly linked to value creation, suggesting a focus on purchase multiples. In a notable transaction, Vista Equity is set to acquire Quantios, a Saa S provider to global trust and corporate services, from Hg and EQT. carving out Knorr-Bremse’s HVAC unit, indicating a trend towards strategic divestitures.