Franchise-focused private equity firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) announced it acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchisee of the fast-growing U.S. coffee chain 7 Brew. With the deal, FEP said it is following through on plans to open more than 200 7 Brew drive-through locations across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Existing 7 Crew investors Masked Rider Capital and Red Sky Holdings are retaining significant equity stakes in 7 Crew, which currently operates approximately 50 7 Brew locations,
As the UC system asks its supporters to stand up against the federal government's demand for $1 billion from UCLA, it throws 160 of its own under the bus. In a cynical act of self-service, UC's leadership has given the names of those who practiced free speech, endangering their lives and livelihoods. As a Berkeley alum, I am appalled by this decision.
On August 7, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(K) Investors." Trump's executive order defines alternative assets in a very broad manner to include private equity and private credit, real estate, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. At any rate, with nearly $9 trillion being currently held in 401(K) plans, this executive order represents a historic shift that could potentially reshape how people save for retirement and have indeed major effects on the economy.
One of my favorite restaurants is Milk & Honey in Harlan, Iowa, a small town in the western part of the state. The restaurant is run by Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, who is also a farmer and a mother. Milk & Honey has a delicious homemade strawberry jam that's way better than the normal mediocre corn syrup-based jam packets served at most diners. Their skillets include chorizo made from pork raised on Ellen's farm.
"This investment marks a turning point, not just for Sherbet, but for the future of the black cab industry," said Moses. "The black cab is a globally recognised symbol of London - trusted, iconic and deeply woven into the city's identity. Yet for too long, it has lacked a dedicated guardian committed to modernisation."
After a 2018 bankruptcy, Claire's underwent a strategic restructuring that eliminated nearly $2 billion in debt and appeared to be headed toward a turnaround. It hired top talent like Kristin Patrick, former executive at Gap and Calvin Klein, who became CMO. And it opened "store within a store" concepts at Walmart and CVS. Back then, the company said it was headed toward an initial public offering that could raise up to $100 million.
In the last 18 months, at least eight US hospitals have closed their doors after being bought and sold by private equity firms. For years, the private equity industry has stirred controversy when its investments in healthcare, retail, and restaurants have gone south. Whenever things go wrong with private equity, people in the industry point to its economic benefits. These investments don't just benefit ultra-wealthy people, they say.
In addition to a list of closing stores, the filing also includes a list of more than 800 locations that were marked as "non-closing stores." Claire's deal with with the Ames Watson buyer group-dubbed AWS Claire's LLC-includes an agreement for the group to take over at least 795 locations. That means additional closures are likely to be announced as the buyers review Claire's physical footprint to determine which stores are most financially viable. Fast Company reached out to Ames Watson for comment.
I didn't go to college. I joined the Army at 18 and served for nearly five years. After I got out, I worked the front desk at a gym. I kept seeing a group of guys who wore nice clothes and drove nice cars. I asked them what they did for work, and they told me they worked for CDW. Even though I had no experience working in tech, they helped me get hired in tech sales. I went to work for CDW in 2008.
With Thoma Bravo, we are partnering with a truly special organization to accelerate our business - with our focus, resources, and product innovation all laser-pointed on leaping forward as the HCM leader for a world of work shaped by AI.
Medical staff at Santa Barbara county jail misdiagnosed a 57-year-old inmate's severe condition, mistaking symptoms of a perforated stomach for opioid withdrawal, leading to her death.
The news today that Canadian telecom and broadband provider BCE has completed its acquisition of Ziply Fiber marks the first instance of a private equity firm cashing out on a telecom and broadband investment.
Private equity firms frequently prioritize short-term profits, compromising the long-term sustainability of businesses. This creates negative consequences for workers, consumers, and the overall economy.
Consultants possess unique strategic and operational expertise that can provide significant advantages when evaluating and investing in private equity opportunities. Their analytical skills and industry knowledge create a foundation for making informed investment decisions.
The global deathcare industry is presently $147 billion, with a CAGR of 6.1%, and a 2030 target of $209.6 billion, reflecting growing demand due to demographic shifts.
Diamond Baseball Holdings, supported by private equity firm Silver Lake, has acquired 45 Minor League Baseball teams since late 2021, controlling over 35 percent of all MiLB teams in the U.S.
Public equity markets are currently undergoing significant structural changes globally due to the rise of private capital, the growth of passive investing, and the dominance of US markets.
Almost a quarter of all foster places in England are now provided by private equity-backed companies, leading to millions in profits at the expense of vulnerable children.