Private Equity 8 Hours

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

Mega-Funds and Record Exits Signal Robust Private Equity Activity

Private equity firms are demonstrating significant fundraising momentum and robust exit performance, defying broader market anxieties. Blue Owl reached $10.6bn for its latest GP stakes fund, with the vehicle expected to close this year. KKR posted its largest-ever monetization quarter, generating $848m in realized performance income and achieving exit multiples as high as 20x. In addition, CVC aims for a third-quarter close on its sixth secondaries fund, having raised $9.3bn to date for the vehicle, and is planning to launch its first infrastructure secondaries fund. Brookfield held a $2bn first close on its Middle East buyout fund, anchored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Cleantech and AI Investments Highlight Growth Areas

Significant capital is flowing into cleantech and artificial intelligence-focused ventures, signaling strong investor confidence in these sectors. Antora Energy, a battery storage startup, closed a $550m Series C funding round, one of the largest cleantech rounds this year, to accelerate project deployments. The European Union has opened applications for a €10bn scheme to support AI gigafactories. Inforcer, a London-based firm, raised $50m to help smaller businesses navigate AI and security risks.

Strategic Acquisitions and Carve-Outs Shape Portfolios

Private equity firms are actively pursuing strategic acquisitions, carve-outs, and full control transactions across various industries. Platinum Equity is acquiring a 50% stake in Nestlé's waters and premium beverages business for $3.4bn, forming a new entity named Peranel. KKR and Energy Capital Partners are set to acquire DCC in a £5.75bn ($7.78bn) takeover, with DCC's board recommending the offer despite shareholder objections. Blackstone is acquiring ultrasonic inspections company Dark Vision, while Macquarie is reportedly looking to sell waste-to-energy company Win Waste. Providence Equity Partners is taking full control of the agency formerly known as Wasserman.

Healthcare and Consumer Brands Attract Substantial Funding

The healthcare and consumer sectors continue to attract significant private equity investment. Function, a health testing platform, secured $450m from General Catalyst. TSG Consumer is set to acquire body care brand Saltair, which was previously backed by Prelude Growth Partners. In a separate deal, Bain Capital has agreed to acquire UK vitamins leader Vitabiotics for approximately £900m ($1.2bn) as part of an international growth strategy.

Secondaries Market and Niche Strategies See Continued Interest

The secondaries market remains a key area of activity, with specialized funds and advisory services expanding their reach. Savanno closed an oversubscribed direct secondaries fund that has already made 12 investments. CVC is gearing up for what could be its largest-ever fundraise. Evercore is bolstering its APAC private capital advisory unit with a team overhaul to capitalize on growth in regional secondaries. Separately, Hamilton Lane is leading a single-asset continuation vehicle for a wealth management asset.

Asia's Lower Middle Market Presents Opportunities Amidst Giant Dominance

While large-cap deals dominate headlines in Asia, opportunities are emerging in the lower middle market. A concentration of capital in Asia’s large-cap space could create lucrative opportunities for GPs capable of raising even a modest amount of capital further down the market. Gems lurk.

Other Notable Transactions and Fund Activities

HIG Capital is selling industrial services firm JT Thorpe to Truelink Capital, having acquired JT Thorpe in 2022. Dominus is investing in traffic products manufacturer Pelco Solutions, with Pelco's management team remaining significant shareholders. MRC is backing Nexus Power to support its geographic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and team growth. Blackstone and Colony IM are acquiring Accor's 30.7% stake in hotel owner Essendi for up to €975m ($1.12bn). BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners is backing a €1.2bn ($1.38bn) management buyout of Irish Continental Group.