Gray cites Hilton as model capital-light compounder with brand moat
Hilton's shift to a management/franchise model eliminated capital intensity while retaining a powerful global brand and network effects, enabling high-margin growth without owning…
Blackstone acquires Asia's largest data center operator AirTrunk for $16B
AirTrunk represents a scaled data center platform in Asia with secured power access, acquired to capitalize on structural AI-driven demand and Blackstone's ability to write large…
Blackstone provides financing to AI cloud provider CoreWeave
CoreWeave is a key beneficiary of AI compute demand; Blackstone is supporting its growth through debt financings as part of a broader 'flood the zone' strategy across the data cen…
Blackstone takes private Smartsheet as flagship growth-oriented PE deal
Smartsheet exemplifies modern private equity: a fast-growing workflow software business acquired with modest leverage where returns will come from operational improvements and int…
Blackstone invests in Tropical Smoothie franchise platform for growth
Tropical Smoothie represents the new PE playbook: a fast-growing franchising business where Blackstone adds value through go-to-market strategy, operational expertise, and interna…