Manufacturing isn’t typically the first word that comes to mind when thinking of high-growth, headline-making private equity deals.
Yet, behind the scenes, it’s one of the most active areas of investment, particularly over the past two years. Our M&A database has tracked more than 1,060 manufacturing-focused transactions in 24 months, giving us a front-row seat to where capital is flowing, and more importantly, why.
Of all deals tracked, a striking 580 were U.S. PE firms investing in domestic companies. That’s more than six times the number of outbound U.S. deals (89) and a massive twentyfold increase compared to 27 inbound deals from non-U.S. investors.
Top 10 Manufacturing Sectors for PE Investment
Private equity firms showed concentrated interest in the following ten manufacturing subsectors:
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
- Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
- General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
- Plastics Product Manufacturing
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
- Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
- Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
- Food Manufacturing
These industries represent a blend of high-tech innovation, essential infrastructure, and healthcare-oriented manufacturing. Two sectors stand out for their role in advancing healthcare:
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
This sector has been a magnet for PE interest due to its resilience, regulatory clarity, and innovation pipeline. With ongoing demand for specialty drugs, biologics, and generics, private equity sees long-term value in platforms that can scale and innovate within FDA-compliant environments.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
From surgical instruments to diagnostic devices, this sector is central to modern healthcare delivery. Investments in this area reflect growing demand for minimally invasive technologies, digital health tools, and aging population care. PE firms are increasingly backing companies with scalable products and recurring revenue models.
Below, you'll find example transactions from the database that reflect these trends.
Sample Transactions
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
SK Capital Partners acquired Spectrum Vascular (White Plains, NY).
Spectrum Vascular is a medical device company focused on vascular access and medication management.
General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing
McNally Capital acquired Jewett Automation (Richmond, VA).
Spectrum Vascular is a medical device company focused on vascular access and medication management.
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
Argentum Group acquired JessCo Solutions (San Angelo, TX).
JessCo Solutions provides emission control equipment and services for the oil & gas industry.
Plastics Product Manufacturing
ArchStar Capital invested in Packaging Strategies (Baltimore, MD).
Packaging Strategies Incorporated provides customized hard-plastic packaging containers.
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
Patriot Capital invested in Libra Industries (Dayton, OH).
Libra Industries is a vertically integrated contract manufacturer providing electronic manufacturing services to OEMs. Services include complex assembly, printed circuit board assembly, precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, wire & cable harness, engineering, distribution and electronic box build capabilities.
Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
Industrial Growth Partners invested in Stored Energy Systems (SENS) (Longmont, CO).
Stored Energy Systems LLC (SENS) designs and manufactures highly engineered battery chargers, integrated power systems and battery monitoring solutions for critical infrastructure applications.
Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
Cordatus Capital invested in Red Dot Buildings (Athens, TX).
Red Dot Buildings is a designer, manufacturer, and installer of complex metal building systems.
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
Argonaut Private Equity invested in Pryer Aerospace (Tulsa, OK).
Pryer Aerospace is a manufacturer of complex aerospace components, specializing in engineering, precision machining, and assembly for both commercial and defense markets.
Food Manufacturing
Clover Capital Partners invested in Felbro Culinary Specialties (Los Angeles, CA).
Felbro Culinary Specialties is a manufacturer of syrups, desserts, sauces and beverages.
