Private equity investment in software companies has fallen sharply in 2026, hitting its weakest level since the Covid-19 pandemic, as concerns over AI reshape expectations for the sector’s long-term earnings power and business models, according to a report by the Financial Times citing data from PitchBook.

LaserAway, a US medspa and aesthetic dermatology operator backed by Ares Management and Seidler Equity Partners, is exploring a potential sale that could value the business at more than $2bn, according to a report by Reuters citing unnamed people familiar with the situation.

Sixth Street has agreed to acquire a minority stake in private equity-backed commodities data and analytics provider Kpler in a transaction valuing the business at more than $3.7bn, according to a report by Reuters citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.

Shareholders of Finnish elevator manufacturer Kone have approved the company’s proposed $34bn acquisition of German rival TK Elevator, which is backed by private equity firms Advent International, Cinven, according to a report by Reuters.

European private equity firm Triton Partners has finalised a deal to acquire Flender GmbH, an industrial drive systems manufacturer, from private investment major Carlyle Group in a transaction reportedly valued at around €3bn ($3.5bn).

Private equity firm JC Flowers has finalised its acquisition of the French subsidiary of Italy’s Monte dei Paschi di Siena, marking the completion of a long-planned divestment as the bank continues its post-bailout restructuring, according to a report by Reuters.

Blackstone is moving ahead with a potential sale of its Japanese payments company SP.LINKS Inc, with SoftBank Corp among the bidders progressing to the next stage, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.