Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 10:04 PM ET

Dealmaking

Private equity activity remained brisk across sectors. ONEOK agreed to acquire Brazos Midstream from Old Ironsides and EnCap Flatrock for $4.4bn, adding the largest privately held midstream platform in the Midland Basin, which is expanding processing capacity to 1.2 Bcf/d by 2027. Sentinel Capital Partners sold Revenew to Bernhard Capital Partners; the Houston-based cost recovery firm has generated over $2bn in hard-dollar savings for clients. Accrual Equity Partners and Dansons Capital Group acquired Shasta Pools,the Phoenix builder that has completed more than 150,000 pools since 1966.

PE Profiles

Granite Creek Capital’s Pete Pacelli, featured in PE Hub’s Dealmakers to Watch series, argues agribusiness is underservedby institutional capital, particularly in the lower middle market. Pacelli, who also leads the firm’s military-focused initiatives, is highlighted alongside Authentic Brands Group’s acquisition of OVO,the CVC- and General Atlantic-backed lifestyle IP pursuer.

Sector Trends

Biotech startup funding has held remarkably steady even as AI investment surged, with global biotech funding hovering at consistent levels over the past several years, according to Crunchbase data.. Meanwhile, a pro-AI group funded by Andreessen Horowitzand OpenAI’s Sam Brockman plans to spend millions on data center ads targeting midterm voters in select states..

Europe & Defence

European defence startups are increasingly adopting the Danish model to support Ukraine’s war efforts, a strategy described as a win-winfor investors and military needs.. Separately, an EU-wide incorporation framework—Europe’s answer to Delaware—could accelerate continental rearmamentby simplifying cross-border investment.. Bill Gates has urged stakeholders to urgently maximise AI’s positive uses,warning against over-regulation..

Startup Ecosystem

A renewed online debate about German bureaucracy has sparked criticism of the startup scene, with figures including Patrick Collisonand Elon Musk weighing in, as entrepreneurs argue things need to changeto remain competitive..