Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Technology Buyouts

Silver Lake is reportedly in discussions to take Workday private. This potential transaction could represent one of the largest buyouts in the software sector's history, according to initial reports.

Infrastructure Deals

CVC DIF, the infrastructure investment arm of CVC, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in firstcolo, a German data center operator. This acquisition was made from Cube Infrastructure. Separately, Cube Infrastructure is selling its stake in firstcolo to CVC DIF, highlighting strong demand in AI infrastructure.

Fintech and Data Services

Providence Equity Partners is set to acquire Hometrack, a firm specializing in property valuation data. Hometrack provides crucial digital valuation and risk analytics to mortgage lenders in the UK and Netherlands. Meanwhile, the European fintech sector is grappling with significant culture challenges.

Interior Surfaces and Market Activity

Charger-backed Wolf-Gordon has acquired two interior surfaces providers, Andor Willow and Walls & Interiors. This move expands Wolf-Gordon's presence in the market. In July, a notable 40 companies joined the Unicorn Board, marking the highest monthly count in four years, with financial services, robotics, and AI sectors leading the surge.

Emerging Technologies and Investor Focus

Venture capitalists are closely watching 10 drone startups for their potential in 2026. London's startup ecosystem continues to foster connections, with various meetups for founders and VCs aimed at driving collaboration and investment. European public funds have also shown significant activity, with the top 30 most active funds identified for the first half of 2026.