Global private equity and venture capital deal activity surged by 24.7% in value in 2024, reaching $639bn, despite a 6.5% drop in transaction volume, according to a report by PE Insights citing S&P Global Market Intelligence.

US investment firm I Squared Capital is considering a bid for Hong Kong-listed broadband provider HKBN, which could value the company at up to $1bn, according to a report by Reuters citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Goldman Sachs Group’s private equity arm is close to finalising a deal to acquire Danish telematics company Trackunit, according to a report by Bloomberg sources familiar with the matter.

Apollo has agreed to acquire Argo Infrastructure Partners, a leading mid-market asset manager focused on essential infrastructure assets in North America.

Software maker Databricks has secured over $5bn in financing from lenders such as Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, and Blue Owl Capital, marking its largest debt raise to date, according to Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the matter.

The global M&A landscape is set for a year of dynamic change as macroeconomic disruptions continue to impact markets. Private equity investors must adapt to these shifting conditions, according to global management consultancy firm CIL.

Private equity firms increased their activity in Europe last year, capitalising on the continent’s economic difficulties to acquire large companies at lower valuations, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Blackstone is considering various strategic options for Liftoff, including a sale, which could value the mobile app marketing provider at over $4bn, including debt, according to a report by Reuters citing two sources familiar with the matter.