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The Wire

Private equity deal news and insights from the London newsroom

Jul 15, 2025

 

Specialized software valuations outpace broader tech market amid AI push, says Partech; Aurelius agrees carve-out of DCC info tech business

Morning all, Craig McGlashan here with the Europe Wire from the London newsroom.

 

The rise of generative AI might offer many opportunities for private equity investors, but as we’ve written plenty on PE Hub, the uncertainty over where the tech will be most impactful is affecting dealmaking and valuations in other ways.

 

This morning, André François-Poncet of Partech explains how one winner in the new world of AI is a sector that has so far proven resilient to its impact: highly specialized vertical software.

 

Staying with tech, we take a look at the latest carve-out deal, where Aurelius has agreed to acquire DCC Technology’s info tech business Exertis in the UK and Ireland.

 

Playing it safe

Highly specialized software has emerged as a “safe harbor” in Europe amid the rising tide of AI disruption, according to André François-Poncet, partner at Partech, as investors flock to assets that promise “safety and security.” These software platforms stand out as resilient for a couple of key reasons, he told PE Hub’s Irien Joseph.

 

Read the premium version of the Wire to learn how AI-resilient tech companies' valuations compare with the wider sector.

 

Check out the full article to find out why European investors are also seeing competition for these assets from the US.

 

Tech distribution

Sticking with tech, Aurelius has agreed to acquire DCC Technology’s info tech business Exertis in the UK and Ireland in the latest carve-out in European private equity.

 

Find out the division's revenues in the premium version of the Wire.

 

There have been more and more opportunities for carve-outs, a topic we covered in depth in June.

 

That’s all from me today. Michael Schoeck is on US duty later today and I’ll be back again tomorrow from Europe.

 

Cheers,

Craig

 

Read the full Wire commentary on PE Hub ...

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Today's must reads

> AI jitters driving up valuations for European vertical software players More...
> Blackstone Gives Back Challenge hones pitching skills and yields donations to nonprofits More...
> Apollo's David Sambur: 'We have not seen the floodgates open just yet' More...
> Ardian’s Thibault Basquin: An exciting time to invest in Europe More...
> PE stocks up on medical consumables: six deals More...

Also of note (may require subscriptions)

 

Investec’s sub line partnership with Ares gives GPs ‘confidence’: The securitisation partnership straddles a middle area between two-party and broadly syndicated arrangements. (Private Equity International)

 

Brunel’s Jaime Alvarez: ‘We avoid the largest managers.’ The UK pension’s head of sustainable infra and private equity explains why his team prefers mid-market GPs and outlines other key drivers of its investment strategy. (Infrastructure Investor)

 

What LPs look for in affordable housing funds: Investors want to participate in community development projects, rather than just turn over units, and they can easily discern between the two. (New Private Markets)

 

Seed investments surge in PE: Seward & Kissel study finds that early-stage investments are giving GPs new fundraising opportunities. (Private Funds CFO)

 

Inside the EIF’s sustainable investment engine: From venture capital to farmer financing, three senior figures at the European Investment Fund – Aubin Bonnet, Céline Lévy and Ghislain Terrier – explain how the EIF is scaling green innovation and adapting to a tougher fundraising climate. (Agri Investor)

Deals

> Ontario Teachers’ to buy Spain’s Donte Group from Advent More...
> Eurazeo-backed Rydoo picks up Semine More...
> Providence- and Searchlight-backed Hyve snaps up Behavioral Health Tech More...
> Mitchell Capital takes controlling stake in data intelligence firm Optelos More...
> Westcap-backed Timber-Tech adds on Darmac Framing Systems More...
> Summit Partners makes growth investment in Dreampath Diagnostics More...
People
> Extens bolsters team with three new hires and one promotion More...
> AIMCo promotes Justin Lord to chief investment officer More...
> Rainier Partners promotes Henry Anderson and Luke Bench to principal More...

They said it

“If the disruption risk is imminent and it already translates into numbers and if it’s companies that are already seeing their numbers being impaired by AI disruption, then your company might not be transactable at all.”

— André François-Poncet, partner, Partech

 

Today's letter was prepared by Craig McGlashan

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