Weekly roundup of key happenings in the private equity sector
In the ever-evolving landscape of private equity, a notable trend has emerged in 2025: a significant increase in interest towards data-driven, AI-enabled tech businesses and scalable software platforms. This shift is evident in the recent acquisitions and fundraising activities across the globe.
One such acquisition is the take-private transaction of Dun & Bradstreet, a 180-year-old financial, risk, and analytics services provider, by Clearlake Capital. The deal, valued at $7.7bn, offers $9.15 per share in cash to Dun & Bradstreet shareholders, granting Clearlake access to one of the world's most established corporate data providers.
The acquisition underscores the growing private equity interest in data-driven businesses. In particular, it highlights a focus on those positioned to scale artificial intelligence solutions across enterprise markets. This trend is reflected in the increased investment in AI and machine learning companies, as well as data intelligence platforms like Capix, and scalable software platforms that support data-driven business models.
Private equity firms are heavily investing in AI and machine learning companies to enhance deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and exit strategies. For instance, firms leverage AI tools to analyze vast datasets for smarter investment decisions and risk management. In the technology sector, especially software companies, private equity has been actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to scale platforms faster.
Examples of this activity include private equity firms advising on large deals involving horizontal software platforms with significant growth potential via M&A expansion. Firms are also placing increasing emphasis on succession planning acquisitions where founders seek exits or capital partners to secure growth and business continuity, supported by private equity capital.
Meanwhile, CVC, another prominent private equity firm, has raised €2.2bn in new institutional commitments from Europe, North America, Asia, and for the first time, Australia and Latin America. CVC has appointed Jean-Pierre Saad as a Managing Partner, who will join the firm in June 2025 and head CVC's private equity investments in the European technology sector. Saad previously worked at KKR for over 15 years, most recently leading the firm's EMEA tech private equity strategy.
Elsewhere, Oakley Capital has finalized the closure of its private equity vehicle, Oakley Capital Fund VI, at a hard cap of €4.5bn. The fund, launched in September 2024, reached its target in just six months, with nearly 100% re-up participation from existing limited partners.
These developments underscore the growing importance of data-driven, tech-focused businesses in the private equity landscape. As we move forward, it is expected that this trend will continue, with private equity firms continuing to seek out opportunities in these sectors to enhance their portfolios and support their buy-and-build strategies.
References:
- Private Equity International
- PitchBook
- Financial Times
- TechCrunch
- In 2025, Clearlake Capital, a private equity firm, completed a take-private transaction valued at $7.7bn for Dun & Bradstreet, a 180-year-old financial services provider, demonstrating the increase in private equity interest towards data-driven businesses.
- The acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet by Clearlake Capital showcases the focus on businesses that can scale artificial intelligence solutions across enterprise markets, which is a growing trend in private equity.
- Private equity firms are heavily investing in AI and machine learning companies to improve investment decisions, risk management, and other aspects of deal-making and portfolio management.
- Oakley Capital, another private equity firm, closed its fund, Oakley Capital Fund VI, at a hard cap of €4.5bn in just six months, indicating a high demand for data-driven, tech-focused businesses from limited partners.
- CVC, a prominent private equity firm, raised €2.2bn in new institutional commitments from various regions, appointing Jean-Pierre Saad as a Managing Partner to lead its private equity investments in the European technology sector.
- As private equity firms such as CVC and Oakley Capital continue to invest in data-driven, tech-focused businesses, it is anticipated that this trend will persist, supporting their buy-and-build strategies and enhancing their portfolio value in the future.
