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.
Source: PE Hub · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing