Articles by Tim Burroughs
Mandolin Fund backs trouble-hit Sino-Forest
On June 2, short-seller research firm Muddy Waters branded Chinese timber firm Sino-Forest a fraud, prompting a 71% drop in the firm’s stock within 48 hours. Paulson & Co. cut and ran three weeks later. The hedge fund was said to have owned nearly...
Indonesia's GPs: Subscriptions wanted
A clutch of new GPs have emerged in Indonesia, looking to capitalize on growing international interest in the market. How many will survive?
New China Life targets $4b IPO
New China Life Insurance, which is part-owned by several private equity interests, plans to raise up to $4 billion through a dual IPO in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
CVC-backed Nine Entertainment expects modest profit growth in coming year
CVC-owned Nine Entertainment posted EBITDA of A$414.9 million for the fiscal year ending June, up 16.4% year-on-year, but it forecasts modest growth this year – a reflection of the challenges facing most Western media companies that rely heavily on...
Apollo’s PE business drives up second-quarter earnings
A strong performance from Apollo Global Management’s private equity business saw second-quarter earnings reach $139.6 million, or US$0.31 per share, on the back of revenue jumped to $308.9 million from $79.3 million. According to US GAAP, Apollo posted...
India’s GVK considers PE funding for roads business
GVK Power and Infrastructure is considering private equity funding for its roads business. Isaac George, CFO of GVK, said in an earnings conference call that a couple of investors have already expressed an interest in the company’s transport business.
Bright Food Group targets acquisition within six months
China’s Bright Food Group may make an acquisition in Europe or Australia within six months, the firm’s chairman has said. Wang Zongnan told Bloomberg that potential targets include the food distribution and sugar industries.
Mandolin Fund ups stake in Sino-Forest to 18%
Singapore-based Mandolin Fund now owns 18% of Sino-Forest, having increased its stake in the scandal-hit forestry company for the third time in four weeks.
Carlyle-backed New Century Hotel Group plans IPO
China’s New Century Hotel Group, one of The Carlyle Group’s portfolio companies, plans a $400 million IPO in Hong Kong in September, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation. Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley have...
Russia’s sovereign wealth fund seeks Chinese partners
Russia’s first sovereign wealth fund, the $10 billion Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which was set up in June, is seeking Chinese partners to co-invest in deals, Caixin reported.
Asahi to buy Independent Liquor for $1.3b – report
Asahi Group Holdings is set to reach an agreement this week on the JPY100 billion ($1.3 billion) purchase of Independent Liquor, which is owned by Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) and Unitas Capital, The Nikkei reported.
MediAngels seeks $10m private equity investment
MediAngels, an India-based online medical consultation platform, is in talks with private equity funds over a $10 million investment, The Times of India reported. “We are in deep talks with four of the biggest US-based PE funds," said Dr. Debraj Shome,...
India Innovation Fund makes second investment
India Innovation Fund (IIF) has closed its second investment, committing INR100 million to Bangalore-based digital media technology start-up Sure-Waves MediaTech. Accel Partners, another early stage investor, partnered IIF in the deal, The Economic Times...
Unison Capital, CJ Cheiljedang food additives bid fails
Unison Capital and CJ Cheiljedang Corp. have failed in their joint bid for Hayashibara, a Japanese food additives manufacturer. CJ Cheiljedang said in a statement to the Korea Stock Exchange that it had not been chosen as a preferred bidder.
PEP, Unitas tipped to sell Independent Liquor to Asahi
Asahi Group Holdings has emerged as the leading candidate to purchase New Zealand drinks maker Independent Liquor, which is currently owned by Pacific Equity Partners and Unitas Capital. The deal could be worth up to NZ$1.4 billion ($1.2 billion), Dow...
Former Actis partner in latest India fund spinout
Subba Rao Telidevara, formerly a partner at Actis, has launched an independent fund worth $250 million targeting buyouts, PIPE deals and growth capital investments. The fund, known as LotusPool Capital, is expected to make its first close in 8-12 months,...
Hony invests $100m in Chinese glass maker
Hony Capital has agreed to pay $100 million for a 60% stake in China Yaohua Glass Group, as part of its ongoing role in consolidating the glass-making industry.
China considers more tax breaks for VC firms that back SMEs
China’s State Administration of Taxation may offer more tax incentives to venture capital firms that invest in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), China Securities Journal reported, citing unnamed sources.
Bondholders in CHAMP-backed Blue Star offered new deal
Blue Star bondholders have been offered the chance to participate in the printing firm’s restructuring on the same terms as major shareholder CHAMP Private Equity, The National Business Review reported. Should the latest proposal fail to win approval,...
Carlyle completes third CPIC sell-down
The Carlyle Group remains on courpse for one of its biggest cash exits globally after making a third sell-down in China Pacific Insurance (CPIC) in the space of seven months. The private equity firm is believed to have raised around $990 million in its...
Carlyle to invest up to $194m in Haier Electronics Group
The Carlyle Group will invest up to $194 million in Haier Electronics Group (HEG), a Chinese white goods manufacturer, potentially taking a 9% stake in the company.
Indian regulator proposes new measures for funds oversight
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has published draft regulations that would tighten its control over alternative investment funds (AIFs). Vehicles specializing in private equity, venture capital, PIPE, infrastructure, real estate and...
CIC participates in $600m commitment to Diamond S Shipping
China Investment Corp. (CIC) is part of a group that has agreed to invest more than $600 million in Diamond S Shipping, enabling the energy-focused transportation company to buy 30 medium-range vessels and related charters. Diamond S already has a fleet...
Ex-AIA boss seeks PE backing to buy Aviva’s non-core businesses
Former AIA CEO Mark Wilson is trying to raise private equity funding to bid for Aviva’s non-core emerging markets business, The Financial Times, reported, citing people familiar with the situation. The UK firm is considering a sell-off of its smaller...