Key Takeaways
- • Blackstone has generated approximately $6bn in proceeds from European private equity exits so far in 2026, more than double its previous annual record set in 2014, according to Bloomberg.
- • The firm has sold seven portfolio companies in Europe this year, with five acquired by corporate buyers.
- • Recent exits include the £2.2bn sale of Clarion Events to London-listed Informa and the approximately €2.8bn sale of Cirsa to Italian gambling group Lottomatica.
- • Blackstone is reportedly targeting industrials, defence, the energy transition (including electrification and cooling systems), and leisure, travel and experiences.
Summary
Blackstone has realized approximately $6bn in proceeds from European private equity exits so far in 2026, a figure that more than doubles the firm's previous annual record in Europe set in 2014, according to a Bloomberg report. The alternative asset manager has sold seven portfolio companies in the region this year, five of them to corporate buyers. The $6bn total includes transactions that have either closed or been signed across Blackstone's corporate private equity strategies.
Among the largest transactions, Blackstone agreed to sell events business Clarion Events to London-listed Informa for £2.2bn. The firm also sold casino and gaming operator Cirsa to Italian gambling group Lottomatica in a deal valued at approximately €2.8bn.
On the investment side, Blackstone is reportedly targeting opportunities across industrials, defence and the energy transition, including electrification and cooling systems. The firm is also exploring investments in leisure, travel and experiences, according to the same report.
Among the largest transactions, Blackstone agreed to sell events business Clarion Events to London-listed Informa for £2.2bn. The firm also sold casino and gaming operator Cirsa to Italian gambling group Lottomatica in a deal valued at approximately €2.8bn.
On the investment side, Blackstone is reportedly targeting opportunities across industrials, defence and the energy transition, including electrification and cooling systems. The firm is also exploring investments in leisure, travel and experiences, according to the same report.
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