Articles by Winnie Liu
A taste of Europe: Asian investor objectives
Asian LPs have become part of the landscape of European private equity, pursuing opportunities across buyouts, secondaries, credit and distress. But what do they really want from the region?
TA-owned SpeedCast acquires Australia's Pactel
TA Associates-backed SpeedCast has acquired Pactel International, an Australia-based satellite communications service provider for an undisclosed sum, as part of effort to strengthen its presence in Asia.
Former ADB executive named EMPEA CEO
The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) has named Robert W. van Zwieten as its president and CEO, following the departure of founding president Sarah Alexander earlier this year. His appointment is effective immediately.
Banks put up $7b for PE-backed Shuanghui’s Smithfield deal – report
Bank of China and Morgan Stanley will provide $7 billion in financing for PE-backed Shuanghui International’s buyout of a US pork producer Smithfield Foods. The proposed deal, which values Smithfield at $7.1 billion including debt.
HP to divest India’s MphasiS, PE firms eye deal – report
The Carlyle Group, The Blackstone Group, Advent International and Bain Capital are said to be in talks to buy HP’s 60.5% stake in Bangalore-based MphasiS, an IT services exporter. Domestic strategic players L&T Infotech and Tech Mahindra have also been...
FountainVest scoops top AVCJ China awards, targets more buyouts
FountainVest Partners claimed the Firm of the Year and US dollar fundraising prizes at the 2013 AVCJ China Awards, which were presented in Beijing yesterday as part of the AVCJ China Forum. Homer Sun, CIO of Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA),...
Warburg Pincus co-president targets emerging markets consumer, tech – AVCJ Forum
Warburg Pincus sees investment potential at the nexus of consumer and technology as it looks to increase its activity in emerging markets. China is set to feature strongly, but so too will India, Brazil, and central and eastern Europe.
Goldman exits ICBC as banks face squeeze
Goldman Sachs has toppled The Carlyle Group at the top of China’s exit rankings, with $9.85 billion in proceeds generated from its investment in Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) against an initial commitment of $2.58 billion.
China’s CIC names ex-ICBC executive to head supervisory board
China Investment Corp. (CIC) has named Xiaopeng Li, a former vice president at Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), as head of its supervisory board. He replaces Liqun Jin, who spent five years in the role.
Fosun, Axa make $700m buyout offer for Club Med
Chinese conglomerate Fosun International and Axa private equity have submitted a friendly takeover bid for French-based vacation resorts operator Club Méditerranée (Club Med). It values the company at EUR556 million ($700 million).
China’s Kaida VC invests in VTL Associates
China’s Suzhou Industrial Park Kaida Venture Capital has invested in VTL Associates, a Philadelphia-based financial consulting firm that develops equity and fixed income indexes.
China’s LightInTheBox sets IPO terms, targets up to $87m
VC-backed Chinese online retailer LightInTheBox plans to raise up to $87 million through its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Highland Capital appoints Korea BD director
Highland Capital Management has appointed Jun Park as director of business development in South Korea, with a brief to explore investment opportunities in the country.
China’s Fosun nears first close on $1b outbound fund
Fosun International is targeting $1 billion for its Chinese Momentum Fund that will invest in foreign companies seeking to expand in China, with a particular focus on Europe. The fund is approaching a first close in excess of $300 million, AVCJ has been...
Chinese PE regulation: Tug-of-war
The National Development and Reform Commission and China Securities Regulatory Commission have yet to resolve their dispute over private equity oversight. Uncertainty isn't helpful to industry participants
NDRC private equity executive moves to CSRC
Liu Jianjun, a senor official at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) who oversaw the private equity division, has been handed a leading role within the China Securities Regulatory Commission's (CSRC) fund department. The move comes amid...
China GP differentiation: Plain vanilla no more
Independent funds have dominated Chinese private equity, but now princeling and affiliate funds have entered the market, offering their own competitive edge. GPs are realizing the merits of differentiation
Oceanic Iron gets backing from Sino-Canada resources fund
Canada's Oceanic Iron Ore has received non-brokered financing of $3 million from Sino-Canada Natural Resources Fund, which will be issued convertible debentures.
China’s SAFE sets up in New York, targets PE – report
China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), which overseas $3.2 trillion in foreign currency reserves, is said to set up a New York operation to invest in private equity, real estate and other US assets. The move is seen as part of the...
India Value Fund-backed Manipal invests in Ankur Healthcare
India Value Fund-backed Manipal Health Enterprises has committed INR400 million ($7.27 million) to Ankur Healthcare, which specializes in infertility treatment.
IFC to invest $17m in India's Parag Milk Foods
Indian dairy company Parag Milk Foods is set to receive $17 million from International Finance Corporation (IFC). The capital will be used to expand milk processing projects in the regions of Manchar and Palamner.
Advent adds operating partners for China chemicals sector
Advent International has made the first additions to its global operating partner program in China, with Michael Ming-Yue Zhu and William Tsao recruited to advise on investment opportunities in the chemicals sector.
Samsung Venture leads $15m round for Taiwan Ubitus
Samsung Ventures, the VC arm of Korea’s Samsung Group, has led a new round of funding worth $15 million for Taiwanese cloud gaming firm Ubitus.
Four VCs invest in China Bama Tea Series A round
IDG Capital Partners, Tiantu Capital, Shenzhen-based Cowin Capital and Tianjixing Capital have jointly invested in a Series A round of funding for Anxi Bama Tea worth RMB150 million ($24 million).