HIG Capital claimed PE Hub's Small-Cap North America Deal of the Year for its exit of promotional products supplier Koozie Group. The Miami-based firm acquired Koozie from Société BIC for $85 million in 2017 and sold it to Mill Point's Garyline after repositioning the business. The company generated $270 million in revenue at exit, having navigated adverse conditions and expanded through acquisitions.

Ronin Equity Partners completed a GP-led secondary acquisition of minority stake in AeriTek Global, returning to the refrigeration manufacturer it exited months earlier. The London-based firm sold its Due North stake to AeriTek in September 2025 but reinvested after being offered an attractive multiple. AeriTek serves major clients including Unilever, Heineken, and Coca-Cola, benefiting from rising demand for fresh food and pet refrigeration.

Ontra's Q1 2026 market index reveals deal volume will likely fall 5% year-over-year, representing a recovery from the 15% quarterly decline in Q3 2025. The 30% drop in NDA volume following April 2025's Liberation Day tariff announcement contributed to market volatility. Factors like inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions continue to influence dealmaking activity in private markets.