The Riverside Co.

AUA Private Equity's Astrid Soto are among the top female dealmakers in the middle market.

Dealmakers share their perspectives on the evolution of private equity. Harris Williams' Giles Tucker, Watermill Group's Julia Karol, and Kainos Capital's Jay Desai are among those who chimed in.

IOP, Platte River, the Riverside Co. and Saw Mill have recently raised new funds as well.

Facing more competition than ever before, private equity firms are specializing within sectors, shoring up operational expertise and selling minority stakes to expand.

CVC, and Platte River recently raised capital as well.

Middle-market PE firms that have sold minority stakes include Accel-KKR and the Riverside Co.

Brynwood-backed Harvest Hill Beverage names John LeBoutiller CEO; Former NFL player Isaiah Kacyvenski joins Star Mountain as an adviser.

“We’ve always wanted to participate, regardless of whether the owner wanted to sell control or not, so now we have the ability to participate in those companies where the owner doesn’t want to give up control,” says the Riverside Co.’s Pam Hendrickson at ACG’s InterGrowth 2017.

Benefits include the chance to cash in on some equity and to fund expansion.

Recommendations from the CIO of the Riverside Co. may help mitigate risks for portfolio companies.