Private Equity 24 Hours

Last updated: September 25, 2026, 10:16 PM ET

Private Equity Transactions

Clearlake Capital added JACLO to its Prime Source Brands portfolio, marking the firm’s 12th acquisition since 2020. The 1901-founded decorative hardware distributor based in Cranford, New Jersey, strengthens Clearlake’s consumer goods foothold. Oaktree Capital exited its Italian power firm COL Group to Eaton in a €810 million deal, representing a significant return on the 1920-established industrial enterprise employing over 400 people. Madison Dearborn is set to take Marygold private in a $2.2 billion transaction, removing the Walnut Creek-based commodity ETF holding company from public markets. Inflexion invested in Paris-based Manucurist, the plant-based vegan nail care brand founded in 2016, as the beauty sector continues attracting private equity attention. Audax Group sold specialty wire and cable manufacturer GCG to Rexel, with Chicago-headquartered GCG on pace to exceed $1.1 billion in 2026 revenue. Relation Insurance acquired the assets of Pennsylvania agency LaPlaca, expanding the Bay Pine-backed insurer’s presence in business and employee benefits coverage.

Healthcare and Defense Investments

High Post Capital hired David Walsh to lead a new aerospace and defense vertical, leveraging his background as a former US Navy intelligence officer and former managing partner at another firm. The move reflects growing private equity interest in defense-related opportunities as government spending priorities shift. Bridgepoint backed a majority stake in Altano Group, an equine clinic operator, as veterinary healthcare continues expanding across multiple animal care segments. Thoma Bravo, New Spring Capital and Phoenix Equity joined the occupational healthcare investment trend with multiple deals targeting workplace health and safety services.

Occupational Health Sector Activity

Phoenix, Quad-C, and Thoma Bravo targeted the occupational health space, with pharmaceutical growth also driving May River Capital’s sale of Dickson to Blackstone and Copeland. The deals highlight how private equity firms are positioning for long-term growth in workplace healthcare services amid evolving regulatory requirements and employer benefit strategies.

Venture Capital and Funding Activity

Lightspeed Venture Partners targeted $250 million for a new India-focused fund with an emphasis on early-stage artificial intelligence companies, aligning its fundraising cycle with global fund strategies. British AI neocloud Nscale secured $3.36 billion in convertible financing ahead of a planned US IPO, with participation from Third Point, Nvidia, and other institutional investors. The Week’s top 10 funding rounds were led by cybersecurity, AI, and health technology deals, reflecting continued investor appetite for innovation-driven sectors.

Tech Industry Workforce Dynamics

Tech layoffs surged in 2026, with U.S. tech layoffs reaching at least 94,046 from January through August, up 16.8% year-over-year, as companies shift spending toward artificial intelligence initiatives. The accelerated job cuts have created opportunities for professionals to access discounted TechCrunch Disrupt passes, with prices reduced to $75 for those affected by layoffs. Mark Wahlberg joined Tech Crunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss investing and entrepreneurship alongside Bruce K. Lee, signaling celebrity interest in the startup ecosystem. Tatiana Shalalvand joined Cherry with ambitions to back Legora and other ventures, bringing her expertise to the European venture landscape.

European Startup Ecosystem

Europe’s fastest-growing spacetech startup teams are attracting attention, with hiring surges indicating strong market demand for commercial space services. Sifted highlighted five key reasons to attend its upcoming London summit, including networking opportunities with emerging European founders. The continent’s leading pre-seed investors were identified for 2026, showcasing the maturation of Europe’s early-stage funding ecosystem. MSISV’s 2026 EMEA cohort represents a diverse range of mission-driven startups, from space-based healthcare to sustainable materials innovation.