Private equity firm EQT is poised to acquire software companies facing financing hurdles in the wake of this year's sector downturn. The strategy was outlined by Bert Janssens, co-head of EQT's private capital operations in Europe and North America, in an interview with Bloomberg News.

According to Janssens, many funds are currently holding over-leveraged software businesses at a time when access to credit for refinancing has tightened. He believes this environment creates opportunities to acquire fundamentally sound companies at lower valuations.

EQT's current deal pipeline includes assets within the services and industrial sectors.

The firm is also exploring opportunities in public markets, with ongoing work including a potential bid for the British group Intertek, as well as a possible transaction involving Volkswagen's marine engine unit.