Analysis >> Buyout
3Q analysis: The IPO genie
Real and paper windfall for PE investors in Alibaba spurs exit environment; the latest round of fundraising for pan-regional mega vehicles draws to a close; growth capital dominates the investment numbers
Portfolio: CVC, Headland and The Executive Centre
The Executive Centre has seen four different financial owners as its serviced office business has grown. CVC Capital Partners is the latest custodian tasked with taking the company to the next level
China PE in the US: From theory to practice
Chinese private equity firms’ growing interest in US acquisitions has yet to translate into meaningful deal flow. These relatively new arrivals need time to familiarize themselves with a competitive market
Portfolio: CHAMP Ventures and H-E Parts
CHAMP Ventures invested in H-E Parts to support expansion in Australia. As the only independent after-market parts provider of scale, the company is targeting miners that want to reduce their maintenance costs
China education investment: Competitive edge
Five months into 2014 and PE activity in China’s education sector is at its highest level in six years. Wary of the issues tied to creating a large footprint, investors are picking their segments and geographies carefully
1Q analysis: Big fish, small fish
Country fund stars, China VCs make their mark on fundraising; the trade sale spike won't be sustained and the IPO surge may falter too; South Korean buyouts continue to create headlines
Portfolio: CITIC Capital Partners and Elgin Equipment
When CITIC Capital Partners joined Audax Group in acquiring Elgin Equipment, its brief was to re-position the clean coal equipment business from low-growth America to high-growth China
Korea M&A: Regulatory relief
The Korean government’s recently announced M&A stimulation package includes a relaxation of restrictions on domestic private equity firms. But how much change are these reforms likely to bring?
Tempting offers: Australian IPOs
Following a prolonged drought, Australia has seen a recent spike in private equity-backed IPOs. Is this a flash in the pan or are public market exits on the cusp of a sustained comeback?
India buyouts: Ceding control
India emerged as and remains a predominantly growth capital PE market, but economic and generational factors have conspired to make domestic companies more open to a buyout proposition
Asia fundraising: Size matters?
While a select group of GPs are able to raise large funds at short order in Asia, the small and mid-cap space is hollowing out. It is in parts cyclical and a function of broader changes in the post-financial crisis LP base
Portfolio: CVC Capital Partners and Hong Kong Broadband Network
Hong Kong has one of the most saturated and advanced broadband markets in the world. Finding new areas of growth is difficult but not impossible, says Hong Kong Broadband owner CVC Capital Partners
Shogun diplomacy: Corporate management in Japan
History shows that Japan's corporate elites rarely take kindly to private equity knocking down their door. How can the outside investor best woo potential partners?
Japan fundraising: Sink or swim?
Investor sentiment is gradually turning on Japan. The big buyout funds must convince LPs there is sufficient deal flow in their portion of the market; the smaller players must figure out how to talk to foreign LPs
Korea buyouts: Young pretender?
South Korea was the only significant PE market in Asia to see an uptick in deal flow last year. Investors have high expectations; uncertainty among local conglomerates – and local GPs – could make or break them
Strained relations: Foreign PE and financial services
Global buyout firms have seen less deal flow in South Korea in recent years, with financial services sector activity a shadow of its former self. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are unwelcome
Going walkabout: Australian outbound investment
Taking portfolio companies from Australia into Asia represents a major opportunity for private equity. Pan-regional funds see it as a key part of their strategy, but can domestic players join the party?
Asia fundraising: A divided market
Global and local players are in the market trying to raise new regional and country vehicles. The former can rely on institutional relationships and IR might to get the job done. The latter face a resources squeeze
Great expectations: Buyout firms in Southeast Asia
Global buyout firms are deploying more resources in Southeast Asia and expect to see stronger deal flow. But are there enough mid- to large-size transactions to go around, and will they come at reasonable prices?
From buyouts to asset managers
Emerging Asia is a key consideration as the global buyout firms diversify their product offerings to meet the needs of a changing market
Skylark exit helps consign buyout boom to history
With Skylark sold and Yayoi likely to follow it, Japan’s megadeals of 2006-2008 are finally being dismantled and the – relatively meager – profits returned to investors
Funds monetize Japan’s aging demographic
Retirement homes and related services have emerged as a hot spot for private equity in Japan’s generally uninspiring consumer market
China funds: Cult of personality
Star dealmakers are busy setting up their own funds in China. LPs need to separate the hype from the investment reality
Korean financial plays are not for foreigners
The Woori and Mirae Asset Life Insurance deals are cause for hope, but foreign PE may still find life difficult