🎯Today's Private Equity Pulse
Updated 44m agoWhat's happening: Hellman & Friedman navigates sluggish LP payouts to close multi‑billion‑dollar exits
CEO Patrick Healy says that even as distributions to limited partners remain sluggish, the firm can still close sizable sponsor exits. He adds that strategic timing and asset positioning enable multi‑billion‑dollar exits despite a broader market slowdown, underscoring confidence in navigating current liquidity constraints.
News•Feb 27, 2026
Sverica Promotes Michael Dougherty to Partner and Doug Patrican to Principal
Sverica announced that Michael Dougherty has been elevated to partner, while Doug Patrican has been promoted to principal. The firm also welcomed Matt Johnson as a new principal. These moves expand the firm’s senior leadership team across its core practice areas. The promotions reflect Sverica’s ongoing investment in talent to support its growth trajectory.
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 27, 2026
HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin Week Ending 20 February 2026
The HVS Europe Hotel Transactions Bulletin for the week ending 20 February 2026 lists a series of high‑profile hotel deals across the continent. Indian conglomerate SanRaj, via Clearsense Ventures, bought three Accor‑branded hotels in the UK (478 rooms) from Ares and EQ....
By Hotel News Resource
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
BlackRock’s GIP and EQT Line up Potential $12.4bn AES Takeover
BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and private equity firm EQT are in advanced talks to acquire AES Corp for roughly $12.4 billion, a deal that could be announced as early as next week after AES shares jumped 6.8% in New York....
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Wealth Manager Hollow Brook: There’s an Important Place for PE in Family Office Portfolios
Hollow Brook president Philip Richter tells Private Equity International that private equity has become far more accessible due to democratization and a booming secondary market. This broader access enables family offices to consider PE as a core component of their...
By Private Equity International
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
Advent Among Suitors as Senior Draws $1.78bn Takeover Interest
Senior plc, a British aerospace component maker, saw its shares surge 22.5% to a seven‑year high after rejecting multiple takeover approaches and confirming that Advent International is among several suitors. Two higher cash offers were also turned down, and two...
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
News•Feb 27, 2026
‘Goldman Handful’ and the Zombie Apocalypse: Takeaways From NEXUS
The NEXUS conference highlighted a tightening deal pipeline at Goldman Sachs, dubbed the “Goldman handful,” as the firm scales back mid‑market transactions. Speakers warned that a wave of “zombie” companies—firms surviving on low‑interest debt—could strain private‑equity exits. Market participants noted...
By Buyouts Insider
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
Calpers Unfazed by AI-Driven Software Risks in $1.8tn Private Credit Market
Calpers, the $615 billion California public‑employees pension, holds about 4 percent of its assets in private credit, a market now worth $1.8 trillion. UBS analysts warn AI could destabilize software borrowers, pushing default rates from 3‑5 percent to as high as 15 percent. Despite these...
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Falfurrias-Backed Woven Solutions Acquires Government Consultancy Valence
Woven Solutions, a Reston‑based software provider for the national security community, announced the acquisition of Valence, a government consultancy. The deal is backed by private‑equity firm Falfurrias Capital Partners, which has been fueling Woven's expansion. Valence brings deep advisory expertise...
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 27, 2026
Primary Wave in Talks to Potentially Acquire Kobalt Music Group
Primary Wave is in advanced talks to acquire Kobalt Music Group, with a potential valuation north of $1.5 billion—roughly double the price paid by private‑equity owner Francisco Partners in 2022. The deal would merge Primary Wave’s $6 billion catalog portfolio with Kobalt’s...
By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Behind the Curtain: Inside DealMAX with Kate Weaver
Kate Weaver, ACG’s vice president of events, detailed the strategic upgrades for DealMAX 2024, the flagship middle‑market M&A conference in Las Vegas. She highlighted data‑driven planning that begins before the current event ends, and how attendee feedback reshapes logistics, from...
By Middle Market Growth (ACG)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Vision Ridge’s European Head Moubarak Expected to Depart – Exclusive
Vision Ridge’s European head, Ramzi Moubarak, is expected to leave the firm after less than two years in the role. Moubarak was recruited to spearhead the company’s European expansion following the launch of its London office in October 2023. His...
By Infrastructure Investor (PEI Group)
News•Feb 27, 2026
DPI Names Sofiane Lahmar as New CEO
Digital Performance International (DPI) announced Sofiane Lahmar as its new chief executive officer. Lahmar, who joined DPI in 2010 as a senior partner, has risen through the firm’s ranks over the past decade. The board highlighted his deep client relationships...
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 27, 2026
Searchlight and Abry to Take IoT Company Kore Private for $726m
Searchlight Capital Partners and Abry Partners announced a joint acquisition of IoT platform provider Kore, taking the company private for approximately $726 million. The deal values Kore at $9.25 per share, covering all outstanding shares not already owned by the investors....
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 27, 2026
Exclusive: Astorg’s Mid-Cap Co-Head Edouard Pillot to Leave Firm
Astorg announced that Edouard Pillot, co‑head of its mid‑cap private‑equity team, will depart the firm. Lionel de Posson, Pillot’s fellow co‑head, will assume sole leadership of the mid‑cap unit. The change follows an internal restructuring aimed at streamlining decision‑making. Astorg...
By PE Hub
News•Feb 27, 2026
PE Eyes Growth in Hospice Care Platforms: 5 Deals
Private equity firms are intensifying focus on hospice care platforms, with five notable deals reported this quarter. Kinderhook, Renovus and Revelstoke are among the investors leading the charge, targeting fragmented providers to build scalable platforms. The surge reflects broader demographic...
By PE Hub
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
Saudi AI Boom Draws Buyout Interest as QST Explores Strategic Options
Saudi joint venture Quantum Switch‑Tamasuk (QST) is exploring strategic options, with Rothschild advising on a potential transaction that could value the firm at well over $500 million. QST runs two 9 MW data centres in Dammam, forming part of Saudi Arabia’s broader...
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Apollo Marks Down Credit Fund as Loan Stress Emerges
Apollo Global Management has taken a significant write‑down on its flagship credit fund as loan‑level stress surfaces across its portfolio. The move mirrors similar distress signals from KKR’s FSK fund and Blackstone’s private‑credit vehicle, which also marked down troubled loans....
By Private Equity Wire
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
DE Supreme: Accountant May Resolve Earnout Claim Involving No Calculation
The Delaware Supreme Court in Fortis Advisors v. Stillfront held that an earn‑out dispute clause referencing the “calculation of the earn‑out amount” triggers arbitration, not merely expert determination. The court affirmed that the accounting firm acting as arbitrator could resolve...
By DealLawyers.com Blog
News•Feb 27, 2026
Adams Street Partners Promotes Cho to Asia IR Head as Hart Heads to Evercore
Adams Street Partners announced the promotion of Chris Cho to head its investor relations for Asia, succeeding the previous lead who is moving to Evercore. Cho brings more than a decade of private‑equity experience across the region. The appointment highlights...
By AltAssets
News•Feb 27, 2026
Investor Intentions: SMFL MIRAI Partners to Expand and Diversify Its Portfolio in 2026
SMFL MIRAI Partners announced a 2026 capital deployment plan of roughly $300 million to $500 million across multiple funds. The firm aims to broaden its investment universe and diversify holdings beyond its core positions. This allocation underscores a strategic push into private...
By Private Debt Investor
News•Feb 27, 2026
KKR’s FSK Fund Sees Spike in Troubled Loans
KKR’s publicly traded credit vehicle, FS KKR Capital Corp, dropped 15% after reporting a surge in troubled loans and a cut to its dividend. The $13 billion portfolio, dominated by private‑equity‑backed mid‑market loans, is seeing rising defaults and mark‑to‑market losses, especially...
By Private Equity Wire
Podcast•Feb 27, 2026•23 min
No More 'Easy Trades': REIT Take-Privates Could Slow in Reshaped Market
The episode examines the recent slowdown in REIT take‑private activity as market conditions improve, highlighting the $3.4 billion Affinius Capital acquisition of Varus Residential REIT as a benchmark. Guests Jonathan Brass, Sarah Marks, and Matthew Norris explain that higher valuations, abundant...
By The PERE Podcast
News•Feb 27, 2026
Apollo’s Japan Institutional Client Head Departs
Apollo Global Management’s Japan institutional client head, Takeshi Tsubota, has exited the firm. Tsubota, who joined in 2023, was responsible for driving the firm’s fundraising efforts among Japanese institutional investors. His departure comes as Apollo seeks to expand its $908 billion...
By Private Equity International
News•Feb 27, 2026
Colorado Multi-Site Behavioral Health Platform
Prime exits® and American HealthCare Capital are offering a fully licensed behavioral health platform in Northern Colorado, comprising two ready‑to‑operate outpatient facilities. The business currently generates no revenue but retains all licenses, accreditation, EMR, billing systems and payer contracts, dramatically...
By HCB News (dotmed) – Healthcare Business News
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
Humm Group Limited: Our View on Takeovers Panel Findings
On February 27, 2026 Humm Group Limited issued a formal response to the Australian Takeovers Panel’s findings concerning its recent acquisition proposal. The company addressed the panel’s concerns about compliance with ASX listing rules, disclosed remedial actions, and reaffirmed its...
By Raper Capital
News•Feb 27, 2026
Ascend Rises with Close of New Fund
Ascend Capital Partners closed its second fund, Ascend Capital Partners Fund II LP, with $791 million in commitments, surpassing its $700 million target. The fund, focused on growth-oriented healthcare services, was oversubscribed and attracted both existing and new limited partners. Ascend has...
By Private Equity Professional
Blog•Feb 27, 2026
February 2026 Reincorporation Update
The February 2026 reincorporation update adds seven new filings, expanding the list of companies shifting their legal domicile. Notable moves include Datadog’s transfer from Delaware to Nevada, boosting Nevada’s market‑cap share to roughly $44 billion, and ArcBest’s relocation to Texas with...
By Business Law Prof Blog “Mission Alignment / M&A”
News•Feb 26, 2026
Private Equity’s Expanding Playbook: Accounting and Consulting Firms
Private equity firms are increasingly targeting the fragmented accounting and consulting sector, where tens of thousands of CPA practices present a ripe consolidation landscape. Investors aim to roll up these firms into national platforms that can leverage scale, technology, and...
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 26, 2026
Pat McGrath Labs Still Looking for Buyers
Pat McGrath Labs has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is being marketed to potential buyers by investment bank Gordian Group. The sale follows private‑equity firm GDA Luma’s recent acquisition of a controlling stake in the brand. Any transaction must settle over $60 million in debtor‑in‑possession...
By Dealbreaker
News•Feb 26, 2026
LPs Highlight Red Flags Around Retail Capital Flowing Into Traditional PE
Retail investors are pouring unprecedented amounts of private wealth into traditional private‑equity funds, accelerating a shift that once belonged to institutional limited partners. This surge, driven by fintech platforms and low‑minimum‑investment products, has prompted seasoned LPs to flag potential red‑flags....
By Private Equity International
News•Feb 26, 2026
Butterfly Equity Changes Control After Partner Dispute
Butterfly Equity, a private‑equity manager with roughly $7 billion in assets under management, has undergone a control shift following an internal partner dispute. Co‑founder Adam Waglay has emerged as the sole decision‑maker, consolidating ownership previously shared among partners. The restructuring resolves...
By Buyouts Insider
News•Feb 26, 2026
Augmentum Fintech Accepts £186m Cash Takeover Offer
Augmentum Fintech has agreed to a £185.7 million cash takeover by Norwegian buyout firm Verdane, representing a 27 % premium at 111 pence per share. The board unanimously recommended the offer, targeting completion in the second quarter. Augmentum’s portfolio includes 27 fintechs such...
By Finextra
News•Feb 26, 2026
GP-Led Credit Market Explores Different Deal and Return Opportunities as Growth Continues – NEXUS
The GP‑led credit secondary market is experiencing sustained growth as investors pursue more flexible deal structures and higher return potential. Industry leaders, such as Olga Kosters of Antares, emphasize that the ability to cherry‑pick assets and maintain strong GP‑investor alignment...
By Secondaries Investor (PEI Group)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Fitch: Default Events in January Double Last Year’s Average
Fitch reported that private credit defaults surged in January, with 11 events—double the average monthly defaults recorded last year. Over the trailing twelve‑month period the sector logged 89 defaults, highlighting an accelerating distress trend. The uptick reflects tightening credit conditions...
By Private Debt Investor
News•Feb 26, 2026
Encore Promotes Paul Rivenburgh to Managing Director
Encore announced the promotion of Paul Rivenburgh to Managing Director, elevating him from his associate role that began in 2016. The move underscores the firm’s focus on advancing internal talent as it expands its investment platform. Rivenburgh’s new title places...
By PE Hub Europe
News•Feb 26, 2026
Green Value Supports Transaction: Green Value GmbH Assists Balance Erneuerbare Energien GmbH in Biogas Portfolio Acquisition
Green Value GmbH assisted Balance Erneuerbare Energien GmbH in acquiring a 46 MW portfolio of biogas plants located in Saxony, Saxony‑Anhalt and Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern. The transaction includes technical due diligence and risk assessment performed by Green Value, with plans to modernize and...
By Renewable Energy Industry
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Carlyle Sets $200bn Inflow Target by 2028 as Turnaround Gains Traction
Carlyle Group announced a $200 billion capital‑inflow target by 2028, aiming to boost fee‑related earnings to $1.9 billion and raise earnings per share above $6. The private‑equity firm, now managing about $477 billion in assets, also approved a $2 billion share‑repurchase program to reinforce...
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Case Study: A Broken LOI, the Right Advisor, and a Successful Exit
Owners of a concierge medical practice attempted a sale, but the first Letter of Intent (LOI) collapsed, leaving them to restart the process. They turned to Axial's Advisor Finder, which quickly presented four vetted M&A advisors with healthcare expertise. After...
By Axial Forum
Podcast•Feb 26, 2026•0 min
🎥 MSCI's Luke Flemmer - "Bringing Clarity to Investment Decisions"
In this episode, Luke Flemmer, head of private assets at MSCI, explains how standardizing and normalizing data can unlock transparency, price formation, and liquidity in private markets, drawing parallels to past evolutions in bonds, FX, and equities. He argues that...
By Alt Goes Mainstream
News•Feb 26, 2026
Clearlake’s Feliciano Tells How to Pick Winners and Losers in AI Disruption
José Feliciano, co‑founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital, told PE Hub that AI‑driven disruption in public tech and software markets is opening compelling opportunities in the private‑equity space. He explained that as public valuations compress, investors can target companies...
By Private Equity International
News•Feb 26, 2026
PE Weekly: Consumers Come Back Into Focus for Dealmakers
Private equity activity this week highlighted a renewed focus on consumer‑oriented businesses, with multiple platform investments ranging from women’s footwear to home‑health and fitness equipment. Notable deals include Gordon Brothers’ purchase of Chinese Laundry, Kinderhook’s $1.1 billion take‑private of Enhabit, and...
By Middle Market Growth (ACG)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Momentum Midstream Explores Sale That Could Fetch $5B
EnCap Flatrock Midstream is exploring a sale of its gas‑pipeline subsidiary Momentum Midstream for a price exceeding $5 billion. The private‑equity firm has engaged advisers and is gauging interest from rivals and other buy‑out funds. Momentum operates roughly 4,000 miles of...
By Rigzone
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Toyota Moves to Unwind $19bn in Cross-Shareholdings Amid Reform Drive
Toyota announced a plan to unwind roughly $19 billion of cross‑shareholdings, accelerating a reform agenda launched in 2024. The divestment could expand if more shareholders participate, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group are set to sell about...
By Private Equity Insights (Substack)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Loan Note: The Rise of the Zombie Funds; Record Year for Emerging Market Private Credit
The loan‑note briefing highlights a surge in so‑called “zombie” funds that continue to chase low‑yield opportunities despite deteriorating market conditions. At the same time, emerging‑market private credit achieved a record deployment year, reflecting strong investor demand for higher returns. Arctos’s...
By Private Debt Investor
Blog•Feb 26, 2026
Remarks by Commissioner Peirce on Private Secondaries in Capital Markets
Commissioner Hester Peirce highlighted the rapid expansion of private secondary markets, which grew from $162 billion in 2024 to $240 billion in 2025. She warned that this liquidity surge may lessen companies’ incentives to pursue initial public offerings, potentially reshaping capital formation...
By Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance
News•Feb 26, 2026
Fairfax Times the Cycle with a Bet on a Manager Intent on Scaling Its Credit Business
Fairfax Financial is timing the market cycle by investing in Kennedy Wilson’s credit platform as the real‑estate firm prepares for privatization. Kennedy Wilson has steadily expanded its real‑estate debt capabilities while maintaining a global equity presence. The move reflects Fairfax’s...
By Private Debt Investor
News•Feb 26, 2026
Arcmont Almost Doubles Size of Previous Capital Solutions Fund
Arcmont’s latest capital‑solutions fund marks a significant scaling moment for the European private‑debt manager. The €1.5 billion close, announced by its Nuveen affiliate, almost doubles the €800 million raised for the inaugural vehicle, reflecting robust capital inflows into non‑bank lending. Across the...
By Private Debt Investor
News•Feb 26, 2026
Oaktree Considers Sale or London IPO of UK Wealth Manager Utmost
Oaktree Capital is weighing a sale or a London IPO for its UK wealth‑management platform Utmost, signaling renewed interest in public market exits for private‑equity‑owned financial services. Meanwhile, Carlyle’s US buyout platform is on track to realise nearly $12 billion in...
By Private Equity Wire
News•Feb 26, 2026
Bloomberg: Leveraged Lending Insights – 2/23/2026
US institutional leveraged loan issuance slowed sharply in February 2026, with only $22.85 billion priced to date and $9.54 billion expected by month‑end, far below January’s $164.1 billion. The month‑over‑month drop reflects heightened market uncertainty and tighter credit conditions. Analysts attribute the slowdown...
By The Lead Left
News•Feb 25, 2026
Anthropic Acquires Computer-Use AI Startup Vercept After Meta Poached One of Its Founders
Anthropic announced the acquisition of Vercept, a Seattle‑based AI startup known for its computer‑use agent Vy, and will retire the product by March 25. Vercept, which raised $50 million from investors including Eric Schmidt and Jeff Dean, joins Anthropic’s Claude Code team following a...
By TechCrunch — Mergers & Acquisitions