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Middle Market Industrial Private Equity: Strong Momentum Signals a Market Reawakening

by Michael Finegold, Partner, B Industrials

July 16, 2025,,

After an extended period of cautious activity across the industrials landscape, we are now witnessing a welcome resurgence in middle market private equity. Over the past several months, a flurry of fundraising announcements and new firm launches have marked a clear turning point for the sector, suggesting a significant thaw in the capital markets and paving the way for renewed deal activity and leadership movement.

Fundraising Accelerates And Surpasses Expectations

Recent fund closings by a host of industrial-focused and infrastructure-adjacent firms point to a robust appetite for middle market industrial investment. Notably, several funds have exceeded their original targets, despite lingering concerns about the macroeconomic environment and capital availability.

According to the announcement by Greenbelt Capital, Greenbelt closed its inaugural fund at its $1 billion hard cap, a notable feat for a first-time fund in today’s climate. Similarly, Seaside Equity Partners amassed over $720 million across new vehicles, signaling a strong investor vote of confidence in operationally-focused, value-oriented platforms.

Other standout raises include NEOS Partners’ $1.37 billion Fund, Allied Industrial Partners’ oversubscribed $300 million debut fund, and Cogenuity Partners, which launched its $425 million debut fund earlier this year. 

Together, these announcements paint a clear picture: fundraising momentum in the middle market is not just stabilizing, it is accelerating.

Stabilized Tariff Landscape Creates Deal Tailwinds

This influx of capital is arriving at an opportune moment. Tariff conditions, a key uncertainty over the past several months, are becoming more predictable. This newfound clarity is giving buyers and sellers greater confidence in transaction timing, valuation, and long-term planning.

As a result, we are seeing a marked increase in industrial deal flow. Sponsors are returning to the table with conviction, and we’re observing a steady uptick in announced transactions across core industrial subsectors, ranging from advanced manufacturing and logistics to infrastructure and energy transition plays.

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PE Industrial Portfolio

Talent Market Trends

Insights Include:

  • Tariff impacts on Talent
  • Compensation Trends
  • Executive Skillsets in Demand
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Executive Movement on the Horizon

With liquidity events now appearing more tangible and exit markets warming, executives who have held back from exploring new opportunities are re-engaging. We expect to see a measurable uptick in C-level and senior leadership transitions across the industrial landscape in the coming quarters, particularly among those who had been in a “wait-and-see” mode over the past 18–24 months.

At B Industrials, our Search Practice is already fielding increased demand for transformational leadership. Operators and growth-minded executives who can help private equity sponsors scale newly-acquired platforms or guide maturing investments toward exit are in high demand.

What This Means for the Road Ahead

The confluence of fresh capital, stabilizing policy environments, and a resurgence in deal activity is setting the stage for a dynamic second half of 2025. For private equity sponsors, now is a critical time to ensure that portfolio leadership is aligned with strategic goals and exit timelines. And for executives in the industrials space, the coming months are likely to offer compelling opportunities to step into growth-focused, value-creation roles.

At B Industrials, we’re excited to support this next wave of industrial evolution. Our team continues to deliver targeted executive talent solutions that empower investors and operators to realize their boldest ambitions.

Ready to secure the go-to-market leadership that will drive your next growth phase?

Find out why B Industrials is the recruiting partner of choice for leading Industrials investors. Connect with our team today.

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Authored by:

  • Partner, Industrials Practice

    Michael is a Partner at Bespoke specializing in placing CFOs and COOs in private equity backed and public companies. With extensive expertise in both finance and operations, he has successfully collaborated with leading PE firms such as Endeavour Capital, Arcline Investment Management, The Jordan Company, and Stellex Capital among others. Throughout his career in executive search, Michael has led over 150 successful placements, establishing himself as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex talent challenges.

    Before joining Bespoke, Michael was part of the executive leadership team at McDermott + Bull, a global search firm, where he served as Partner in the Industrials practice. Earlier in his career, Michael founded and managed Colvin Finegold LLC, a small business in Arizona. As the owner and General Manager, he gained hands-on experience overseeing the full P&L, eventually selling the company to dedicate himself fully to executive search.

    Michael holds a degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

    Outside of work, you can find him spending time with family and friends, cheering on his favorite teams and trying out new golf courses around Southern California.

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