Articles by Holden Mann
IDFC acquires India solar portfolio
IDFC Alternatives has acquired a portfolio of solar power assets in India from US-based renewable energy developer First Solar Group.
Deal focus: KKR hits the gas on Korea auto carve-out
KKR has backed two divisions of Korea's LS Group - worth a combined $940 million - giving it exposure to an established auto parts business and a division that could prosper on the back of the electric car boom
India's Snapdeal calls off merger with Flipkart
Indian online marketplace Snapdeal has called off a planned merger with rival Flipkart and will pursue a restructuring plan to allow it to survive as an independent entity. Both companies have substantial PE and VC backing.
J-Star completes Japanese veterinary bolt-on
J-star has acquired Japanese veterinary chain VIS Corporation for an undisclosed amount in a bolt-on to existing portfolio company JVCC.
SAIF India raises $350m for third fund
SAIF India has raised $350 million for its third fund aimed at investments in both public and private companies at varying stages of development.
Advent buys stake in India's Dixcy Textiles
Advent International has invested an undisclosed amount in Indian innerwear maker Dixcy Textiles.
India's IIML raises infrastructure fund target to $1b
IL&FS Investment Managers (IIML), the private equity arm of India’s Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS), has raised the target of its infrastructure fund to $1 billion.
KKR backs auto parts spin-out from Korea's LS Group
KKR has agreed to back automotive parts maker LS Automotive (LSA), a spin-out from Korean conglomerate LS Group, and to acquire the copper foil and flexible copper clad laminate business of LS Group affiliate LS Mtron.
Goldman, Accel invest $25m in India's FabHotels
FabHotels, an Indian technology-enabled budget hotel chain, has raised a $25 million Series B round led by Goldman Sachs, with participation by existing investor Accel Partners.
Competition heats up for Australia data center business
Asia Pacific Data Centre Trust (APDC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns three data centers in Australia, has received a second takeover bid from existing shareholder NextDC.
Tencent invests in India's PE-backed Byju's
China’s Tencent Holdings has invested an undisclosed amount in Indian online education start-up Byju’s, whose PE backers include Verlinvest and Sequoia Capital.
Southeast Asia cleantech: Joining the crowd
Despite growing investment opportunities, LPs are still skeptical about renewable energy in Southeast Asia. Development and operating platforms may be the way to break the stalemate
Temasek-backed Godrej Agrovet files for India IPO
Godrej Agrovet, the agri-business subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Godrej Industries, has filed for an IPO that will provide an exit for Singapore’s Temasek Holdings.
Australia's Westpac in talks to sell Hastings fund business
Australia’s Westpac Banking Corp. has entered exclusive negotiations to sell Hastings Fund Management to Australia-listed property developer Charter Hall Group.
360 Capital seeks buyout of Australia data center business
Australian property funds manager 360 Capital is seeking to acquire Asia Pacific Data Centre Trust (APDC), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns three data centers in Australia.
Corporate VC offers unique benefits in Southeast Asia – AVCJ Forum
Corporate venture capital investment can fill an important niche in supporting Southeast Asia’s start-up ecosystem, industry participants told the AVCJ Singapore Forum.
Bank sell-downs drive Asia credit opportunities – AVCJ Forum
As banks look to reduce their exposure to Asian non-performing loans (NPLs), private lenders that can offer more flexibility on terms are seeing increased opportunities for investment, industry professionals told the AVCJ Singapore Forum.
Deal focus: PE lights up CleanMax’s global plans
Indian rooftop solar panel company CleanMax Solar is looking to expand its geographic footprint and operational range on the back of a fresh commitment of $100 million from Warburg Pincus. The Middle East and energy storage will be initial focus areas
Portfolio: Everstone Capital and Modern Foods
Everstone Capital’s purchase of Hindustan Unilever’s bakery business was its first corporate carve-out. It is now ready to introduce India to the new and improved Modern Foods
Renewable energy still faces challenges to viability in Asia
Renewable energy has a way to go before it represents a consistent source of investment opportunities in Asia despite a strong push in recent years, investors told the Infrastructure Investors Forum.
Singapore's GLP accepts $11.5b Hopu, Hillhouse-backed buyout offer
Singapore-listed warehouse operator Global Logistic Properties (GLP) has accepted a buyout offer from a consortium including Hopu Investment and Hillhouse Capital that values the company at S$15.9 billion ($11.5 billion).
Financial institutions and fintech: Bouncing checks
Southeast Asia’s traditional banks have begun to take a strong interest in the financial technology environment, but their early-stage involvement in the ecosystem is still tentative
Warburg Pincus invests $100m in India’s CleanMax
Warburg Pincus has committed $100 million to CleanMax Solar, an Indian rooftop solar panel company backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Bessemer Venture Partners.
China's Zhongzhi invests $80m in renewable energy producer
ZZ Capital, an alternative assets manager and private equity firm backed by China’s Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, has committed EUR70 million ($80 million) to Italy-based renewable energy producer Building Energy.