Articles by Justin Niessner
Carlyle hires ex-Johnson & Johnson chair to advise Asia buyout
The Carlyle Group has hired Jesse Wu, the former chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, as a senior advisor to the firm’s Asia buyout team.
OrbiMed, Chinese strategic to buy Canadian healthcare player
OrbiMed will consolidate its control of Canada-listed clinical equipment producer Response Biomedical in an C$11.1 million ($8.6 million) take-private deal including participation by Shanghai Runda Medical Technology.
Pavilion invests $5.8m in Japan’s Soracom
Pavilion Capital, a private equity unit of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has committed JPY600 million ($5.8 million) to Japanese internet-of-things (IoT) company Soracom.
India's Lok Capital reaches $40m first close on third fund
Indian venture capital firm Lok Capital has reached a first close of $40.5 million for its third fund, which is targeting a $100 million total corpus within 12-18 months.
IBM launches Asia-focused tech accelerator in Singapore
IBM has launched an accelerator in Singapore that will help Asia Pacific start-ups commercialize blockchain technology and the cognitive computing system known as Watson.
OPIC initiates $250m loan for Myanmar's Apollo Towers
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), a development finance institution backed by the US government, has begun the initial disbursement of a $250 million loan to private equity-backed Apollo Towers Myanmar.
Hamilton Lane closes $210m global credit fund
Hamilton Lane has raised $210 million for a credit-focused strategic opportunities fund, exceeding the initial target of $150 million.
Japan's middle market: Simmering prosperity
GPs are finding opportunity in Japan’s economic stagnancy and dramatic demographic trends, but embracing this massive market will require a sharper focus on planning, as well as patience and poise
Golden Gate closes $60m SE Asia VC fund
Singapore-based Golden Gate Ventures has closed its second early-stage venture fund focused on Southeast Asia at $60 million.
Sequoia, Unitus back $4m Series A for India’s Cuemath
Sequoia Capital and Unitus Seed Fund have invested $4 million in a Series A round of funding for Indian education network operator Cuemath.
Australia's Starfish in $17.5m China push for US marketing company
Australian VC firm Starfish Ventures has joined a $17.5 million round for Aktana, a US and Japan-based marketing services provider looking to consolidate its Asian footprint.
AGIC to buy Italian robotics manufacturer
China-Europe cross-border private equity firm AGIC Capital has acquired a large majority stake in Gimatic, an Italian robotics supplier planning an Asian expansion.
Japan's Midokura raises $20m Series B
Japan and US-based software network virtualization company Midokura has raised a $20.4 million Series B round from investors including the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ).
KKR invests $81.2m in Indonesia's Japfa
KKR has made its first PE investment in Indonesia by acquiring a 10.4% stake in agri-food company Japfa Comfeed for $81.2 million.
Australia's Laguna Bay reaches $208m first close on agri fund
Australian agriculture fund manager Laguna Bay Pastoral Company has reached a first close of A$280 million ($208.5 million) on its second investment vehicle for institutional investors.
iSigma acquires Japan cybersecurity company
ISigma, a mid-size buyout firm controlled by Japanese trading and investment conglomerate Marubeni, has acquired domestic cybersecurity platform provider VarioSecure.
Deal focus: Longreach’s fast-track Japan burger play
Longreach invests in Wendy's Japan to build greater synergies with homegrown franchises
New Zealand VC: Apprehensive eruption
After a dormant 2015 during which no funds were raised, New Zealand has seen a flurry of activity in the first half of this year. It is piquing enthusiasm – albeit cautiously – for a fledgling VC space
China's Suning buys 70% stake in football giant Inter Milan
Chinese electronics retailer Suning has invested EUR270 million ($306.5 million) in a 70% stake in Italian football team FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan).
Tencent, PAG join $300m investment in China's Bitauto
Tencent Holdings and PAG have participated in a $300 million investment in US-listed Bitauto, an online marketing services company targeting China’s automotive industry.
Providence part exits India's Idea Cellular for $207m
Providence Equity has sold about 3.5% of its 6.8% stake in India’s Idea Cellular for INR13.8 billion ($206.6 million).
Telkom Indonesia abandons acquisition of PE-owned TeleGuam
State-controlled telecommunications company Telkom Indonesia has terminated its acquisition of TeleGuam on the US island of Guam from Japan’s Advantage Partners.
Korea’s NPS boosts overseas PE exposure
The National Pension Service of Korea (NPS) has pledged to more than double the Asian allocation of its KRW19.5 trillion ($16.4 billion) allotment for global private equity investment.
Australia's ALS rejects Advent, Bain buyout offer
Australian testing services company ALS has rejected a buyout offer from Advent International and Bain Capital that valued the company at about A$2.7 billion ($1.9 billion).