Today's Private Equity Pulse
Blackstone closes record $13.1B Asia private‑equity fund
Blackstone announced the closing of its third Asia private‑equity vehicle, Blackstone Capital Partners Asia III, at $13.1 billion, surpassing its $10 billion target and more than doubling the capital of its predecessor. The fund is the firm’s largest Asia‑focused raise and Blackstone has deployed over $7 billion across 12 deals in the region in the past two years.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Metatron Private Equity acquires Green Circuits Inc.
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 dry‑powder, and stronger board positions are reducing the discounts that once fueled aggressive privatizations, especially in residential and industrial sectors. They note that while large managers like Blackstone still keep privatizations on their radar, the pool of viable targets has shrunk to roughly 7% of U.S. REITs, prompting a shift toward equity offerings and other growth strategies. The discussion underscores a broader transition from opportunistic buy‑outs to more selective, growth‑oriented capital deployment.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Paramount Ups Bid, Netflix Faces Critical Decision
Axios Pro Rata on Feb. 11: "It feels like the next act already has been written. The 'Davids' get over themselves, Paramount raises its bid and then Netflix has a decision to make."
Warner Says Paramount Offer Outpaces Netflix, Challenges Sarandos
WBD says Paramount bid > Netflix. Mr Sarandos, the ball is now in your court.
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...
New Free Guide: Buying a Business for Beginners
We just did a bunch of work to update the free resource page about buying a business over on our website. Lots of links to further resources (videos) great place for a beginner to start... link in comment.
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Blue Owl’s Rise Marred by Internal Fractiousness
Blue Owl climbed quickly on Wall Street. One of its arms floated an idea to create a Mt Rushmore of private equity. But those pitched saw the firm’s own fractiousness as the plan’s big flaw. @EricGPlatt & I look at the...
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...
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...
🎥 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Carlyle’s US Buyout Platform Set to Realize Nearly $12bn in 13 Months
Carlyle’s U.S. buyout platform is on track to realize close to $12 billion of cash proceeds within the next 13 months. The firm attributes this pipeline to a portfolio that aligns with current market demand, saying its assets are “what buyers...
Alphabet-Owned Robotics Software Company Intrinsic Joins Google
Alphabet-owned Intrinsic, a robotics‑software specialist, is joining Google while remaining a distinct entity. The integration will link Intrinsic’s Flowstate platform and Vision AI model with Google DeepMind, Gemini AI models, and Google Cloud services. Earlier, Intrinsic expanded through acquisitions of...
LA Water and Power Increases PE Pacing in the Face of Cashflow Deficits
Los Angeles Water and Power’s pension fund announced it will accelerate private‑equity pacing even as cash‑flow deficits persist. The plan calls for expanding exposure to European buyout opportunities and secondary market deals beginning in 2026. By targeting these asset classes,...
Blackstone and Centerbridge Among Bidders Circling $1bn MarineMax Opportunity
MarineMax, the Clearwater‑based marina operator, has circulated confidentiality agreements as Blackstone, Centerbridge and other investors evaluate a potential acquisition valued around $1 billion. The company, which runs 65 marinas, 70 dealerships and serves high‑net‑worth boaters, is currently priced at roughly $628 million,...
CPP Investments Will Mull Secondaries Sales to ‘Trim Older Exposure’
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) is evaluating secondary market sales to trim its older private‑equity exposures. The fund intends to allocate roughly C$20 billion to new private‑equity commitments this year, according to global head of PE Caitlin Gubbels. By...
Sharing Your Deal Story Inspires New Acquirers
Important message for folks acquiring $2-15M EBITDA businesses, especially those who are willing to share their story and lessons down to the detail. Thanks to you, others are willing to take the leap. Just received a DM from a listener of the...
Blackstone's Medallia Loan Downgrade Erases $5B Equity
Surprised no journalists have read $BXSL's 10-K filed this am, but I'll front run them with the story: Blackstone marked the Medallia loan at 78 in Q4, down from 82 in Q3. It's safe to say the PE sponsor's (and co-investors') $5...
Younger, High-Quality Portfolios Gain Ground in LP-Led Market – NEXUS
The secondary market is increasingly dominated by LP‑led transactions that target younger, high‑quality private‑equity portfolios. Ardian’s Wilfred Small described the environment as one of “asset selection and cherry picking” rather than bulk sales. Limited partners are allocating capital to these...
Crestview and Gersh Eye Full or Partial Wasserman Sale
One of the more interesting things from my recent story on the @Wasserman sale. Crestview Partners and @TheGershAgency are looking at Wasserman in whole and or in parts #sportico https://t.co/swU8ey2FGO
Rare Glimpse Into Secretive Thrive's Performance Data
got my hands on Thrive's performance. secretive firm so this provides a rare snapshot of how they're doing https://t.co/5dbvPfrUF1
The Worst of Times May Be the Best of Times for Private Credit, Says Oaktree’s Hobbs
Deputy CIO of Oaktree Capital, Hobbs, told the NEXUS 2026 conference that private‑credit spreads have stopped falling and now sit on a floor, turning a challenging market into a source of value. He explained that tighter bank lending and higher...
CD&R’s Acquisition of Sealed Air Clears Hurdles
Sealed Air shareholders voted to approve a $6.2 billion takeover by private‑equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). The European Commission recently cleared the deal, finding no competition concerns, allowing the transaction to move toward closing pending final regulatory sign‑offs. The...
AGI Privatization Falters; Stock Trades Above $1 Bid
As expected, $AGI.AX privatization failed - Novomatic (67%) failed to reach 75% delisting threshold - Stock now ~15% above the A$1.00/sh bid since Sep - Activist argues for ~A$3.00/sh (likely stretched) - Novo can re-bid in a few months, overbid thesis looks enticing now.
Chart of the Week: Growth Is King
A recent chart from McKinsey’s Global Private Markets Report shows that private‑equity fund performance is now driven primarily by portfolio‑company revenue growth rather than financial engineering. The data indicate that growth‑focused strategies generate the bulk of returns across vintages, eclipsing...
Why Private Equity Matters (Part Seven)
Private equity’s image as a ruthless raider is outdated; today firms focus on partnership and growth. They acquire companies through negotiated deals, often allowing sellers to retain equity, aligning incentives. While cost efficiencies remain a tool, sustainable value stems from...