Private Equity Stakeholder Project
@pestakeholder.bsky.social
Uplifting the voices of workers, communities, tenants, and others impacted by private equity. Est 2017.
Although private equity dealmaking has faced strong headwinds, the industry's interest in AI and defense hasn't abated. www.manufacturingdive.com/news/private...
Defense, data centers and AI driving private equity manufacturing investments
Defense-related companies made up 29% of private equity-led acquisitions in the first half of 2026. Another 29% came from data center and AI-related companies, according to the Private Equity…
www.manufacturingdive.com
October 5, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Although private equity dealmaking has faced strong headwinds, the industry's interest in AI and defense hasn't abated. www.manufacturingdive.com/news/private...
Lawmakers are calling on FERC to block the $33.4B takeover of AES by BlackRock, EQT, and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
PESP and partners have also raised concerns with FERC about the deal and BlackRock’s growing control over public utilities.
thehill.com/policy/energ...
PESP and partners have also raised concerns with FERC about the deal and BlackRock’s growing control over public utilities.
thehill.com/policy/energ...
Lawmakers press regulators to reject AES acquisition
A bipartisan group of lawmakers urged federal regulators to block the multibillion-dollar sale of power company AES, warning the deal could raise electricity costs for utility customers to benefit …
thehill.com
October 1, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Lawmakers are calling on FERC to block the $33.4B takeover of AES by BlackRock, EQT, and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
PESP and partners have also raised concerns with FERC about the deal and BlackRock’s growing control over public utilities.
thehill.com/policy/energ...
PESP and partners have also raised concerns with FERC about the deal and BlackRock’s growing control over public utilities.
thehill.com/policy/energ...
The Trump SEC is following the DOL in seeking to bail out private equity by opening 401(k)s to more private market investments, raising serious questions about whether its risks are being shifted onto workers’ retirement accounts.
pestakeholder.org/news/trump-s...
pestakeholder.org/news/trump-s...
Trump SEC follows DOL in private equity bailout push
Trump SEC follows DOL in seeking to bail out private equity, private credit with workers’ retirement savings US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeks to expand fees that private equity…
pestakeholder.org
October 1, 2026 at 1:25 AM
The Trump SEC is following the DOL in seeking to bail out private equity by opening 401(k)s to more private market investments, raising serious questions about whether its risks are being shifted onto workers’ retirement accounts.
pestakeholder.org/news/trump-s...
pestakeholder.org/news/trump-s...
ICYMI: A research brief from PESP shows that nearly one-third of emergency rooms in the US are staffed by private equity, exposing scores of patients to the risks that come with a profits above patients approach to business. pestakeholder.org/news/private...
Private equity staffs 27% of US emergency departments
Private equity-owned companies staff at least 27% of US emergency departments Over the last decade, hospitals have begun to contract with private companies to staff and operate their emergency…
pestakeholder.org
September 30, 2026 at 1:01 PM
ICYMI: A research brief from PESP shows that nearly one-third of emergency rooms in the US are staffed by private equity, exposing scores of patients to the risks that come with a profits above patients approach to business. pestakeholder.org/news/private...
🛠️ NEW: PESP's latest report shows that the private equity industry's interest in the manufacturing sector is being driven by buyouts in defense and data center manufacturing. Of the largest PE manufacturing buyouts, 29% were in defense and another 29% had connections to the AI boom.
New analysis reveals defense, data centers driving private equity’s move into manufacturing
Manufacturing accounted for over 20% of PE acquisitions of companies with 500+ employees in first half of 2026
pestakeholder.org
September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM
🛠️ NEW: PESP's latest report shows that the private equity industry's interest in the manufacturing sector is being driven by buyouts in defense and data center manufacturing. Of the largest PE manufacturing buyouts, 29% were in defense and another 29% had connections to the AI boom.
In July, two tenant organizations connected from across the globe to discuss their new landlord: the private equity firm Brookfield Asset Management. pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...
Brookfield tenants from US, Spain connect across continents
Two tenant organizations connected from across the globe to discuss their new landlord, Brookfield Asset Management.
pestakeholder.org
September 25, 2026 at 9:16 PM
In July, two tenant organizations connected from across the globe to discuss their new landlord: the private equity firm Brookfield Asset Management. pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...
Looks like the Blackstone-backed utility NIPSCO is being investigated by Indiana's utility regulatory commission. abc57.com/news/iurc-fo...
IURC formally investigating NIPSCO's restoration practices following Aug. 11 storm
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- In a filing dated Sept. 22, it was revealed that the Verified Petition filed by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor filed on Aug. 25 for the Indiana Utility…
abc57.com
September 24, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Looks like the Blackstone-backed utility NIPSCO is being investigated by Indiana's utility regulatory commission. abc57.com/news/iurc-fo...
One small Indiana private equity firm owns the largest carrot grower in the world, which is the subject of the latest report from our Workers and Jobs team. Since being bought out by PE, Grimmway has racked up nearly $150K in OSHA fines. youarecurrent.com/2026/09/23/d...
Discrimination, worker’s death among concerns reported at carrot farm owned by Carmel private equity firm
Disability discrimination, underpayment and a death on a Grimmway farm are among concerns reported at the nation’s largest carrot producer, which is owned by a Carmel-based private equity firm.…
youarecurrent.com
September 24, 2026 at 3:45 PM
One small Indiana private equity firm owns the largest carrot grower in the world, which is the subject of the latest report from our Workers and Jobs team. Since being bought out by PE, Grimmway has racked up nearly $150K in OSHA fines. youarecurrent.com/2026/09/23/d...
NEW REPORT: States continue to grapple with private equity’s growing role in healthcare.
Some new laws expanded oversight and transparency in 2026, while other proposals stalled or were weakened. Our new review looks at what changed and where gaps remain.
pestakeholder.org/reports/2026...
Some new laws expanded oversight and transparency in 2026, while other proposals stalled or were weakened. Our new review looks at what changed and where gaps remain.
pestakeholder.org/reports/2026...
2026 State Healthcare Policy Review
In 2026, states continued to expand oversight of private equity in healthcare. Six states enacted nine laws covered in this report, while California and Oregon began implementing major measures…
pestakeholder.org
September 22, 2026 at 10:30 PM
NEW REPORT: States continue to grapple with private equity’s growing role in healthcare.
Some new laws expanded oversight and transparency in 2026, while other proposals stalled or were weakened. Our new review looks at what changed and where gaps remain.
pestakeholder.org/reports/2026...
Some new laws expanded oversight and transparency in 2026, while other proposals stalled or were weakened. Our new review looks at what changed and where gaps remain.
pestakeholder.org/reports/2026...
Private capital is playing a growing role across our energy system with more than 1,050 PE-backed fossil fuel assets tracked in our latest research.
At #ClimateWeekNYC, PESP is talking about what this growing role means for climate accountability.
peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
At #ClimateWeekNYC, PESP is talking about what this growing role means for climate accountability.
peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
September 22, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Private capital is playing a growing role across our energy system with more than 1,050 PE-backed fossil fuel assets tracked in our latest research.
At #ClimateWeekNYC, PESP is talking about what this growing role means for climate accountability.
peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
At #ClimateWeekNYC, PESP is talking about what this growing role means for climate accountability.
peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
🌎 PESP is at #ClimateWeekNYC this week!
We’re bringing a critical question to the conversation: Who owns the infrastructure powering our economy, and who bears the risks and costs?
pestakeholder.org/news/pe-in-a...
We’re bringing a critical question to the conversation: Who owns the infrastructure powering our economy, and who bears the risks and costs?
pestakeholder.org/news/pe-in-a...
PE backing both sides of data center boom, new research in NYC
Private equity’s growing role in AI and energy infrastructure takes focus at Climate Week NYC PESP will highlight how private equity investment across data centers, power generation…
pestakeholder.org
September 21, 2026 at 9:03 PM
🌎 PESP is at #ClimateWeekNYC this week!
We’re bringing a critical question to the conversation: Who owns the infrastructure powering our economy, and who bears the risks and costs?
pestakeholder.org/news/pe-in-a...
We’re bringing a critical question to the conversation: Who owns the infrastructure powering our economy, and who bears the risks and costs?
pestakeholder.org/news/pe-in-a...
😷 In the U.S., air pollution from PE-backed extraction, coal plants, and LNG infrastructure is linked to an estimated 584,000 instances of asthma symptoms and at least 1,000 premature deaths each year. Learn more: peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
September 18, 2026 at 2:09 AM
😷 In the U.S., air pollution from PE-backed extraction, coal plants, and LNG infrastructure is linked to an estimated 584,000 instances of asthma symptoms and at least 1,000 premature deaths each year. Learn more: peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
NEW: PESP's latest report digs into labor issues at the world's largest carrot grower, private equity-owned Grimmway Farms. In the years since its acquisition by Teays River Investments, Grimmway has faced lawsuits and fines for its treatment of workers, including over $145,342 in OSHA fines.
Behind the Harvest: Private Equity and Worker Safety at Grimmway Farms
A new report from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project analyzes labor issues at private equity-owned Grimmway Farms, the largest carrot grower in the world.
pestakeholder.org
September 17, 2026 at 7:02 PM
NEW: PESP's latest report digs into labor issues at the world's largest carrot grower, private equity-owned Grimmway Farms. In the years since its acquisition by Teays River Investments, Grimmway has faced lawsuits and fines for its treatment of workers, including over $145,342 in OSHA fines.
Global emissions are up and private equity is one of the culprits. 20 private equity firms are responsible for producing an estimated 1.5 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually. Check out the Private Equity Climate Risks scorecard with the full report here: peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
September 16, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Global emissions are up and private equity is one of the culprits. 20 private equity firms are responsible for producing an estimated 1.5 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually. Check out the Private Equity Climate Risks scorecard with the full report here: peclimaterisks.org/2026-scorecard
NEW: Just 20 private equity firms’ energy portfolios produce an estimated 1.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Compared with countries’ fossil fuel emissions, that would rank 5th globally, behind only China, the U.S., India, and Russia. peclimaterisks.org/2026scorecard
September 15, 2026 at 4:53 PM
NEW: Just 20 private equity firms’ energy portfolios produce an estimated 1.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Compared with countries’ fossil fuel emissions, that would rank 5th globally, behind only China, the U.S., India, and Russia. peclimaterisks.org/2026scorecard
In Washington state, Canadian private equity firm Instar is facing criticism for its treatment of immigrant workers at Windmill Farms and its operation of ICE deportation flights. pestakeholder.org/news/instar-...
Instar targeted by regulators for labor rights abuses of immigrants, cashing in on ICE deportations
SkyService ICE flights latest controversy for Instar Asset Management
pestakeholder.org
September 9, 2026 at 9:18 PM
In Washington state, Canadian private equity firm Instar is facing criticism for its treatment of immigrant workers at Windmill Farms and its operation of ICE deportation flights. pestakeholder.org/news/instar-...
Given the private equity industry's controversial interest in utilities and its track record of putting quick profits above all else, the Michigan Public Service Commission should reject the proposed sale of 13 hydroelectric dams to an out-of-state PE firm. michiganadvance.com/2026/09/04/a...
An out-of-state private equity firm shouldn't have ownership of 13 Michigan dams • Michigan Advance
In June, a Michigan judge overseeing deliberations regarding Consumers Energy’s proposed dam sale recommended that the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) reject the proposed sale of 13 dams to…
michiganadvance.com
September 4, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Given the private equity industry's controversial interest in utilities and its track record of putting quick profits above all else, the Michigan Public Service Commission should reject the proposed sale of 13 hydroelectric dams to an out-of-state PE firm. michiganadvance.com/2026/09/04/a...
In one mid-Michigan manufactured housing community, residents are celebrating the first anniversary of their park's sale to a non-corporate landlord. Last year, Alden Global Capital's Homes of America was forced to sell the park by a court order.
Michigan MHAction residents celebrate one year of new, non-corporate owners
In early August, a manufactured housing community formerly known as North Morris Estates in Thetford Township, Michigan met an important milestone: the park is now fully licensed to operate by state…
pestakeholder.org
September 3, 2026 at 9:07 PM
In one mid-Michigan manufactured housing community, residents are celebrating the first anniversary of their park's sale to a non-corporate landlord. Last year, Alden Global Capital's Homes of America was forced to sell the park by a court order.
Universities are wary to pass the ball to private equity firms interested in scoring deals in the lucrative college sports industry. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/b...
Private Equity Wants to Invest in College Sports. Some Schools Are Wary.
As desperate as many athletic programs are for money, they are proceeding cautiously when it comes to deals with private equity.
www.nytimes.com
September 2, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Universities are wary to pass the ball to private equity firms interested in scoring deals in the lucrative college sports industry. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/b...
PESP's Jim Baker tells NYT about the risks of PE landlords: "Why this is emblematic of private equity ownership of housing is that, from the beginning, the ownership group had limited skin in the game. They never had much to lose. Most of the risk falls on residents and the broader public."
How a Private Equity Group Drove an Apartment Complex Into the Ground
After decades as a coveted address in Syracuse, N.Y., the sprawling Nob Hill complex descended into neglect, squalor and death. One family paid a terrible price.
www.nytimes.com
August 28, 2026 at 1:07 PM
PESP's Jim Baker tells NYT about the risks of PE landlords: "Why this is emblematic of private equity ownership of housing is that, from the beginning, the ownership group had limited skin in the game. They never had much to lose. Most of the risk falls on residents and the broader public."
Last month, New Jersey became the fourth state to ban algorithmic rent-setting software like private equity-owned RealPage. The controversial software has drawn criticism amidst the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the U.S. pestakeholder.org/news/new-jer...
New Jersey bans RealPage-style algorithmic rent-setting
New Jersey becomes fourth state to ban algorithmic price setting software, such as Thoma Bravo’s RealPage On July 20, New Jersey joined California, New York, and Connecticut to become the fourth…
pestakeholder.org
August 26, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Last month, New Jersey became the fourth state to ban algorithmic rent-setting software like private equity-owned RealPage. The controversial software has drawn criticism amidst the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the U.S. pestakeholder.org/news/new-jer...
AI’s infrastructure boom is becoming a private equity gold rush.
As firms invest across data centers and the energy systems that power them, who profits and who bears the costs?
PESP’s latest looks at what’s at stake for communities and the climate.
pestakeholder.org/news/private...
As firms invest across data centers and the energy systems that power them, who profits and who bears the costs?
PESP’s latest looks at what’s at stake for communities and the climate.
pestakeholder.org/news/private...
Private equity’s AI gold rush comes at a cost
The AI Infrastructure Gold Rush Is Becoming a Private Equity Gold Rush—and Communities Will Bear the Costs Everyone is discussing AI. Behind every AI model, however, lies a rapidly expanding physical…
pestakeholder.org
August 22, 2026 at 12:49 AM
AI’s infrastructure boom is becoming a private equity gold rush.
As firms invest across data centers and the energy systems that power them, who profits and who bears the costs?
PESP’s latest looks at what’s at stake for communities and the climate.
pestakeholder.org/news/private...
As firms invest across data centers and the energy systems that power them, who profits and who bears the costs?
PESP’s latest looks at what’s at stake for communities and the climate.
pestakeholder.org/news/private...
More than 1,000 workers have been laid off at Monterey Mushrooms under private equity firm Paine Schwartz’s ownership.
It’s a sharp turn for a company with a long history of investing in its workforce. Now another 246 workers face layoffs.
pestakeholder.org/news/paine-s...
It’s a sharp turn for a company with a long history of investing in its workforce. Now another 246 workers face layoffs.
pestakeholder.org/news/paine-s...
Paine Schwartz-owned Monterey Mushrooms layoffs top 1,000
Paine Schwartz continues to dismantle Monterey Mushrooms, laying off over 1,000 workers Monterey Mushrooms is the largest grower of fresh mushrooms in North America, responsible for a significant…
pestakeholder.org
August 15, 2026 at 3:00 AM
More than 1,000 workers have been laid off at Monterey Mushrooms under private equity firm Paine Schwartz’s ownership.
It’s a sharp turn for a company with a long history of investing in its workforce. Now another 246 workers face layoffs.
pestakeholder.org/news/paine-s...
It’s a sharp turn for a company with a long history of investing in its workforce. Now another 246 workers face layoffs.
pestakeholder.org/news/paine-s...
BREAKING: As Michigan students head back to school, Wall Street is already in the classroom.
New PESP research finds private equity controls 160+ childcare centers and receives millions through K-12 contracts across the state.
pestakeholder.org/reports/pe-i...
New PESP research finds private equity controls 160+ childcare centers and receives millions through K-12 contracts across the state.
pestakeholder.org/reports/pe-i...
August 12, 2026 at 5:35 PM
BREAKING: As Michigan students head back to school, Wall Street is already in the classroom.
New PESP research finds private equity controls 160+ childcare centers and receives millions through K-12 contracts across the state.
pestakeholder.org/reports/pe-i...
New PESP research finds private equity controls 160+ childcare centers and receives millions through K-12 contracts across the state.
pestakeholder.org/reports/pe-i...
BREAKING: Brookfield has acquired YES! Communities, giving the private equity giant one of the nation's largest manufactured housing portfolios.
The deal comes as a new federal housing law leaves manufactured housing residents largely unprotected.
pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...
The deal comes as a new federal housing law leaves manufactured housing residents largely unprotected.
pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...
August 8, 2026 at 1:59 AM
BREAKING: Brookfield has acquired YES! Communities, giving the private equity giant one of the nation's largest manufactured housing portfolios.
The deal comes as a new federal housing law leaves manufactured housing residents largely unprotected.
pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...
The deal comes as a new federal housing law leaves manufactured housing residents largely unprotected.
pestakeholder.org/news/brookfi...