Private Equity 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Private Equity Dealmaking & ExitsThe exit** environment remains challenging for private equity firms, as even assets acquired during less buoyant market periods are proving difficult to divest, signaling persistent liquidity hurdles in the secondary market. Amid this backdrop, major portfolio sales are advancing, with sponsors Advent and Cinven exploring a €25bn exit of their vertical transportation giant, TK Elevator, as Kone reportedly enters takeover discussions. On the acquisition front, Seaport completed its exit of tech firm Exacom to Motorola Solutions, while Sagard-backed Norbec bolstered its cold storage manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Canadian Curtis, a designer of freezer rooms.*
New Platform Launches & Sector Consolidation
TPG is actively building platforms across different sectors, launching One Aged Care to capitalize on burgeoning elderly healthcare demand across Singapore and Malaysia. In the industrial software space, TPG also backed the launch of Velotic, appointing former PTC CEO James Heppelmann as executive chairman to spearhead its strategy under CEO Brian Shepherd. Consolidation continued in infrastructure services, where Fort Point-backed VisuSewer expanded its wastewater maintenance footprint by acquiring United Survey in Wisconsin, and LFM added PowerBuilt to its American Automation Group platform focused on automation solutions.
Mid-Market Activity & Growth Investments
Regional deal awards recognized success in the mid-market, as Kinderhook Industries secured recognition for its Mid-Cap North America Deal of the Year performance, even as competitors like HIG Capital reportedly shop HVAC service portfolios. Supporting continued expansion, NewMile and Haywood Lane provided backing to Wilkerson Crane Rental to finance fleet growth and strategic acquisitions. Separately, the industrial sector saw further integration, with Sagard-backed Norbec picking up Canadian Curtis.
LP Scrutiny & Governance Concerns
Limited Partner scrutiny is intensifying over conflicts of interest, leading the $74.9bn Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System to initiate an exit from its exposure to Clearlake Capital. This move stems from concerns over Clearlake’s intention to acquire Pathway Capital Management, which the pension fund views as incompatible with its existing portfolio oversight. Meanwhile, concerns over diversity in technology investment persist, with AI investor Rana el Kaliouby warning that excluding women from AI funding and leadership roles will inevitably widen existing wealth gaps. Furthermore, LPs are maintaining a strong defence offensive in their capital allocation strategies, even as endowments refresh leadership ranks.