AlphaMaven AlphaMaven

Blackstone targets liquid cooling with FCH; FFL scoops up office of the CFO biz Waylin Partners

Reported by PE Hub
Sep 10, 2026· 2 min read
Save Post LinkedIn Email
Key Takeaways
  • • Blackstone has agreed to acquire FCH, a provider of data center cooling services and components, capitalizing on growing demand for liquid cooling solutions in AI and high-density computing infrastructure.
  • • FFL Partners has completed an investment in Waylin Partners, a service provider specializing in chief financial officer operations and support for private equity-backed companies.
  • • Both transactions reflect strategic positioning in high-growth sectors: data center infrastructure modernization and enterprise operational services for PE-portfolio companies.
Summary
Blackstone has secured an agreement to acquire FCH, a data center cooling services and components provider, signaling the firm's commitment to capitalizing on the infrastructure demands created by artificial intelligence and advanced computing expansion. The acquisition targets the liquid cooling segment, which has become increasingly critical as data center operators seek solutions to manage thermal loads from next-generation processors and GPU-intensive workloads. This move aligns with broader institutional investor appetite for infrastructure assets supporting the AI ecosystem.

In parallel, FFL Partners has completed a strategic investment in Waylin Partners, a business services firm focused on chief financial officer operations and support for portfolio companies backed by private equity sponsors. The investment underscores continued demand among PE investors for operational service providers that can enhance financial management capabilities and operational efficiency across their portfolio holdings.

Both transactions reflect distinct but complementary trends in alternative asset management: infrastructure investors prioritizing data center modernization and operational efficiency, and PE firms investing in specialized service providers that address specific portfolio company needs. These moves are representative of a broader shift toward acquiring specialized capabilities that enhance portfolio value and address structural market demands.

Go deeper than the headline

Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.

Start your free 7-day trial

Sources

1 outlet

AlphaMaven summarised this story from the reporting below. Each link opens the original article.

PE Hub Blackstone targets liquid cooling with FCH; FFL scoops up office of the CFO biz Waylin Partners