Private Equity 8 Hours

Last updated: March 23, 2026, 9:30 AM ET

Private Equity Dealmaking & Disposals

Deal flow remained active across education, healthcare, and enterprise software sectors as firms executed strategic portfolio maneuvers and bolt-on acquisitions. Sovereign sold Knovia to Eureka Education, concluding an ownership period during which Knovia quadrupled its revenue through 15 percent annual organic growth and two M&A transactions. In the software space, Gryphon-backed Rootstock acquired Ascent Solutions, a provider of cloud ERP applications on the Salesforce platform, while Diversis scooped up fintech firm LTi, with LTi’s co-founders retaining minority stakes and operational roles post-acquisition. Furthermore, the divestiture trend saw Olympus Partners agreeing to sell EyeSouth’s retina business for a reported $1.1 billion, indicating sustained high valuations in specialized healthcare services.

Consolidations continued in B2B services and insurance, with several add-on deals announced. Aquiline-backed Relation snapped up Chinook Insurance Group, which is led by CEO Christopher Trainer, strengthening its presence in the insurance distribution market. Simultaneously, One Equity completed a take-private of UK wholesale distributor Kitwave, which supplies food and consumables to the foodservice and retail sectors. In environmental management, Actis acquired Singaporean firm 800 Super, a provider of comprehensive waste management and recycling services to both public and private clients, signaling continued interest in ESG-aligned infrastructure assets.

Sector Focus: Technology & Infrastructure Investment

Firms demonstrated targeted investment in technology platforms, including enterprise software and specialized infrastructure. AEA Elevate made an investment in tech company Trinamix, which services mid-market and enterprise organizations. Meanwhile, the infrastructure and private markets data segment saw activity, as Bridgepoint-backed PEI Group acquired Scientific Infra & Private Assets, a global benchmark and rating provider for private infrastructure and PE markets. In a separate, non-PE corporate transaction, Advent’s portfolio company Cobham Ultra entered a definitive agreement to sell Ultra Cyber to Airbus Defence and Space, marking a strategic exit in the defense technology sphere.

Fundraising & Talent Mobility

As fundraising continues, especially into specialized areas like artificial intelligence, firms are making explicit offers to secure capital commitments. OpenAI is reportedly offering private equity firms a guaranteed minimum return of 17.5% to draw investment into its joint venture initiatives focused on AI development. On the operational side, talent appointments signal strategic expansion plans within established firms. GTCR appointed Donnie Phillips as managing director and chief administrative officer based in its Chicago headquarters, while ECI named David Danon as a new partner, bringing nearly two decades of private equity experience from his prior tenure at Bain Capital. Separately, Freshstream promoted Tom Carroll and Gilles Gradassi to partner, recognizing their contributions to the firm’s growth strategy across the UK, France, Belgium, Ireland, and The Netherlands.

Alternative Capital & Emerging Ventures

Large asset managers are deploying significant capital into energy transition assets, while new fund launches cater to niche markets. Ares Management committed at least €1 billion as part of a larger €1.5 billion capital increase for Eni’s Plenitude, valuing the renewable energy business at €13.1 billion. In emerging ventures, former NFL player Terrence Murphy launched Synergy Sports Capital following a debut deal, two decades after his playing career ended prematurely due to injury. Furthermore, there is an implicit cautionary note for early-stage companies regarding public funding, as one analysis suggests startups frequently overlook crucial tax credit opportunities due to insufficient internal processes for documentation and claiming.