EasyJet has agreed to enter discussions with Castlelake after rejecting a fourth takeover proposal from the US private credit manager, saying that granting the firm access to limited commercial information could lead to an improved offer, according to a report by the FT.

CVC has announced that its fund CVC Capital Partners IX has agreed to invest in Chess.com, the world’s largest online chess platform. CVC joins longstanding investor General Atlantic, which will remain a shareholder, as Chess.com continues to expand its platform and strengthen its offerings.

Bain Capital has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Volkswagen’s marine engine business Everllence in a transaction valuing the business at €7.4bn, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Platinum Equity has emerged as the final remaining bidder for Nestlé’s water division after rival bidders withdrew from the process, according to a report by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter.

Arctos Partners, the sports-focused investment platform acquired by KKR earlier this year, has partnered with RVX Ventures and Magellan Development Group to develop mixed-use entertainment districts adjacent to sports venues, according to a report by Bloomberg, beginning with a $288m project at the University of Tennessee.

Stada is exploring a potential acquisition of Cooper Consumer Health from its private equity owners in a deal that could value the business at around €6bn, according to a report by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter.

Global deal activity declined in the first five months of 2026, with the combined number of mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions and venture capital deals falling by around 7% year-on-year, according to data from GlobalData.