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 Private Equity Wire. The report attributes the $6bn figure to a Bloomberg report.
Blackstone has sold seven portfolio companies in Europe this year, with five acquired by corporate buyers, according to Private Equity Wire. The $6bn total includes proceeds from transactions that have either closed or been signed across Blackstone’s corporate private equity strategies, the publication reports.
2026 European exits and buyer mix
Blackstone’s seven European portfolio company sales in 2026 include five deals where the acquirers were corporate buyers, according to Private Equity Wire. The publication reports that the $6bn figure covers proceeds from transactions that have either closed or been signed.
The Private Equity Wire report describes Blackstone as an alternative asset manager and frames the $6bn as proceeds from European private equity exits so far in 2026.
Transactions cited in the proceeds figure
Private Equity Wire lists the £2.2bn sale of events business Clarion Events to London-listed Informa as a recent transaction. The publication also cites the approximately €2.8bn sale of casino and gaming operator Cirsa to Italian gambling group Lottomatica.
The publication reports that these transactions are among those included in the approximately $6bn in proceeds from European private equity exits so far in 2026.
Areas Blackstone is reportedly targeting for investment
On the investment side, Blackstone is reportedly targeting opportunities across industrials, defence and the energy transition, according to Private Equity Wire. The publication adds that the energy transition areas mentioned include electrification and cooling systems.
Private Equity Wire also reports that Blackstone is exploring investments in leisure, travel and experiences.
