Chicago-based private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners is to sell LinQuest, a specialist in space systems and technology solutions for the defence and intelligence communities, to KBR, a provider of science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies globally.

Dallas-based private equity firm Valesco Industries has made an investment in Earthlite, a California-based provider of wellness equipment and products including consumable supplies and accessories for the spa and massage markets.

IK Partners’ IK Small Cap III fund is to make an investment in Kran og Industri Service, a Norwegian provider of inspection and services for cranes and lifting equipment in partnership with the company’s management and employees.

Google parent Alphabet is looking to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz, which raised £1bn in funding in May at a $12bn valuation from VC firms including Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Thrive Capital, for around $23bn, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

US private equity firm TA Associates has made a growth investment in Indian housing finance company Vastu Housing Finance.  

Nordic Capital, a private equity investor investing in healthcare, technology & payments, financial services, as well as service & industrial tech, is to acquire a majority share in Sensio, a social care technology provider.

Platinum Equity Advisors, a US-based private equity form focussed on leveraged buyout investments of established companies in the US, Europe and Asia is to acquire aircraft landing gear specialist Héroux-Devtek Inc for $1.35bn, according to a report by Canadian Press.

The UK has overtaken India as the third largest venture capital market in the world, now accounting for 6% of global investment as UK companies raised £72bn between 2021 and 2023, according to the British Business Bank’s annual Small Business Equity Tracker.