This week's private equity headlines feature significant activity. Nestlé initiated the sale of a stake in its water business, including brands like Perrier and S.Pellegrino. The deal, valued around €5 billion, is one of the largest consumer carve-outs in the European market. Rothschild is advising on the process, with first-round bids expected this month.

Simultaneously, EQT agreed to acquire Coller Capital for $3.2 billion, expanding its presence in the private markets secondaries space. Coller Capital manages nearly $50 billion across private equity and private credit strategies. This move positions EQT within a rapidly growing segment of the market, reflecting increasing investor interest in alternative assets.

Arcano Partners also closed its fifth private equity secondaries vehicle, raising $1 billion. The Arcano Secondary Fund V exceeded its initial $600 million target, attracting commitments from various investors across Europe and the Americas. Secondary funds offer liquidity solutions within private markets, appealing to investors seeking to rebalance portfolios.

These deals collectively signal the ongoing dynamism of the private equity market. The Nestlé sale highlights the trend of corporate divestitures, while EQT's acquisition and Arcano's fund demonstrate robust investor appetite for secondary market opportunities. Expect more activity in the secondaries space as investors seek liquidity.