Articles by Anita Davis
RHB battle highlights PE challenges in Malaysia
As private equity in China and India becomes overcrowded, driving up valuations, some funds have broadened their regional focus. Malaysia has generated particular interest, but recent developments suggest that the pickings are likely to be small.
Auction for 25% RBH stake to move forward - report
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is reportedly set to move forward with its 25% stake sale in RHB Bank, despite news that two rival banks would launch acquisition bids for Malaysia’s fifth-largest lender. ADCB’s auction process is expected to attract...
Baring makes Singaporean education acquisition
Baring Private Equity Partners Asia has acquired the tertiary education business of Singaporean education and training institution PSB Academy for an undisclosed amount.
Mongolian PE fund targets South Korean investors
Seoul-based private equity firm Doran Capital Partners and Eurasia Capital, the Asia-focused investment bank, are raising a $100 million PE fund targeting Mongolia. The two companies have approached LPs in Korea to fund the vehicle.
Affinity, Unitas launch second round of Beijing Leader auction
Affinity Equity Partners and Unitas Capital have advanced ABB and Schneider Electric to the second round of the auction process for portfolio firm Beijing Leader & Harvest Technologies. The PE firms are aiming to raise as much as $700 million, Reuters...
KEB sale delayed again
Lone Star’s protracted effort to offload its 51% stake in Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) to Hana Financial Group has been delayed once gain, this time by six months, amid lingering regulatory questions.
Highland Capital's China team plans for spin out
Highland Capital Partners’ Shanghai-based investment team is reportedly set to raise a fund independently, though it will retain ties to the US-based venture capital investor.
Relauched WestBridge raises $200m - report
Three months after Sequoia Capital India’s founding partners departed to relaunch WestBridge Capital Partners, their new fund has reportedly raised approximately $200 million for domestic investments, en route to a $500 million target.
PE funds eye Jyothy stake sale
Mumbai-based consumer goods firm Jyothy Laboratories is reportedly looking to sells a minority stake in itself in an effort raise up to $200 million, and has approached private equity funds including Actis, Apax Partners, Carlyle and TPG about the deal....
Sanyo Electric exits homes division to Ant Capital
Japanese electronics major Sanyo Electric is set to exit its stake in the homebuilding division Sanyo Homes to Tokyo-based Ant Capital Partners, in a deal worth JPY500 million ($6 million).
PE funds to battle for Japanese sweetner specialist
South Korean conglomerate CJ Group and Japanese PE fund Unison Capital are believed to be part of a consortium pursuing sweetener manufacturer Hayashibara, also of Japan.
Blackstone sells Intelenet stake to UK support-services firm
Blackstone has sold its 66.25% stake in Indian BPO company Intelenet Global Services to Serco, the British support-services firm, for $634.2 million.
AMP in line for UK infrastructure asset
A consortium comprising Australia’s AMP Capital Investors, London-based investment firm Equitix and infrastructure-services firm Balfour Beatty have been named the preferred bidder for Greater Gabbard Offshore Transmission Owners (OFTO) by UK electricity...
Malaysia's top banks target RHB
Weeks after Carlyle and TPG reportedly teamed to bid for a 25% stake in Malaysian lender RHB Capital, top Malay banks Maybank and CIMB are each looking to make an acquisition bid for the asset, potentially creating the largest banking institution in Southeast...
Top PE firms target Asia at the expense of North America – study
The top 10 private equity firms globally have increased their focus on Asia over the past three years at the expense of North American investment, according to research by Preqin. These firms account for 18.6%, or $425.7 billion, or the $2.3 trillion...
CICC set to make RMB1.5b first close on new fund
China International Capital Corporation (CICC), the country’s largest investment bank, is set to announce the RMB1.5 billion ($231.5 million) first close of its new renminbi-denominated fund this week, a source close to the process confirmed to AVCJ....
CITIC sees role for USD funds in bringing foreign firms to China
Multinational companies looking to expand and raise funds in China will increasingly turn to domestic private equity firms for assistance, according to Wu Yibing, president of CITIC Private Equity Funds Management Co.
Chinese short seller target gets backing from Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley will invest $50 million in Yongye International, a US-listed Chinese plant nutrients producer that has been accused of fraud by a short seller. The investment bank’s Asia private equity unit has agreed to buy preferred shares in Yongye,...
TPG, Warburg Pincus consider $100m investment in Vasan
TPG and Warburg Pincus are in talks with India’s Vasan Healthcare over a potential $100 million investment that would be structured as a combination of primary and secondary transactions, the Business Standard reported. A spokesperson for Vasan Group...
Bird nests point to opportunities in Vietnam
Vietnam is becoming a popular destination for private equity as evidenced by KKR spending $159 million on a 10% stake in Masan Consumer Corporation as well as the government’s willingness to sell a 20% holding in Vietcombank to private investors. But...
Tokyo Star goes back to Lone Star
LONE STAR FUNDS IS ONCE AGAIN TAKING ownership of Tokyo Star Bank, less than four years after selling the struggling commercial lender to private equity firm Advantage Partners (AP). Having failed to repay its debts, AP has reportedly agreed to give away...
Counting on cleantech
Private equity dollars have flooded into China’s renewable energy sector, but should investors hedge their bets?
AIC launches secondaries fund from Japan
Alternative Investment Capital Limited (AIC) has teamed with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) to launch the $150 million AIC Asia Opportunity Fund, L.P. The fund will target secondary investment opportunities in select Asian markets.
India's economic growth slows to 7.8%
India’s GDP growth has slowed for the fifth-consecutive quarter to 7.8%, missing its 8.2% target, due to factors including high interest rates and a dip in manufacturing. Economic growth came to 8.3% in the previous quarter.