Articles by Andrew Woodman
Bamboo Finance sees 2x return on Mongolia XacBank exit
Emerging markets-focused private equity firm Bamboo Finance has exited its stake in TenGer Financial Group (TFG), the holding company of Mongolia's XacBank, to Japan's Orix Corp. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but it is said...
Ant Capital acquires Japanese shoe maker MoonStar
Ant Capital has acquired a majority stake in 140-year-old Japanese shoe maker MoonStar from the founding family and other shareholders. Financial details were not disclosed.
J-Star makes sweet exit from Tokachi
Gifts are a big part of Japanese tradition. Whether you are making an introduction, expressing thanks or simply marking a change in the seasons, an exchange of gifts is usually required. A large section of the country’s consumer sector relies on providing...
Ant Capital exits cream puff maker Beard Papa
Ant Capital is exiting its 100% stake in Muginoho Holdings, the company behind Japanese cream puff brand Beard Papa, to instant food giant Nagatanien for JPY9.44 billion ($96 million).
Polaris-backed apparel supplier files for bankruptcy
Fusen-Usagi Corporation,a children's apparel supplier backed by Polaris Capital Group, has filed for bankruptcy at Osaka Regional Court with JPY3 billion ($30 million) in debt.
Jafco-backed Ride On Express files for Japan IPO
Ride On Express, a Japanese food delivery franchise operator backed by Jafco Ventures, has filed for a Tokyo IPO.
RRJ ups stake in ING's US insurance business - report
RRJ Capital is said to have upped its stake in the US insurance unit of ING Group, investing a further $248 million.
INCJ invests $8m in Japanese mobile payment start-up
Government-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has invested JPY800 million ($8 million) in mobile payments processor Coiney.
PEP-backed Veda Advantage targets IPO
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) is hoping to raise as much as A$340 million ($326 million) through a sale of new shares as it looks to launch the Australian IPO of credit-checking firm Veda Advantage this December.
OPIC calls for proposals from emerging market GPs
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), a development finance institution (DFI) backed by the US government, has made a call for proposals from GPs operating in emerging markets, including Asia.
Quadrant to buy APN's share of advertising JV for $67m
Quadrant Private Equity is set to buy joint venture partner APN News & Media's interest outdoor advertising venture APN Outdoor for A$69 million ($66.5 million).
J-Star completes $6.6m exit of sweets maker Tokachi
J-Star has completed its exit of a 100% stake Japanese sweet maker Tokachi to Tokyo-listed Mediaflag in deal valued at JPY644 million ($6.6 million). According to sources familiar with the matter, the GP has generated a 1.3x return on its investment....
Macquarie to form infra JV with Japan's Maeda
Macquarie Capital will form a joint venture with Japanese engineering firm Maeda Corp. to invest in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Lead Capital invests $2m in Japan's Talknote
Lead Capital Management has invested JPY200 million ($2 million) in Talknote, the Japanese start-up behind the corporate social networking platform of the same name. This is the second round of funding the company has received, following an undisclosed...
Falcon House's Indonesia breakthrough
When the team behind Falcon House came together three years ago they were eyeing Indonesia’s underserved middle market. Drawing on local experience across corporate restructuring, PE and infrastructure, the principals thought they could make the breakthrough...
On the shoulders of giants: DFIs and first-time funds
Backing from a development finance institution can be the making of a first-time GP in a far-flung jurisdiction. Working with this kind of LP, however, comes with its own set of challenges
Harvard appoints new private equity head
Harvard Management Company (HMC) - the investment arm of Harvard University - has appointed Lane MacDonald as its new managing director of private equity.
New Horizon leads $50m round for China's Chukong Technologies
New Horizon Capital has led a $50 million Series D round of investment in Chukong Technologies, a Chinese mobile game developer. GGV Capital, Sequoia Capital, Steamboat Ventures and Northern Light Venture Capital also participated in the round, which...
Japan's Astellas Pharma leads US-based Mitokyne $45m Series A round
Astellas Pharma, a Tokyo-listed pharmaceutical firm, has led a $45 million Series A round of investment in US biotech start-up Mitokyne, alongside MPM Capital and Longwood Founders Fund.
Hutchison Whampoa abandons Parknshop sale plan
Hutchison Whampoa has abandoned plans to sell Hong Kong supermarket chain ParknShop, after it had reportedly attracted bids from the likes of KKR, TPG Capital and a number of strategic investors.
Helion, Blumberg invest $1.5m in India's Mygola for US expansion
Mygola.com, an Indian online travel planning start-up, has raised a $1.5 million Series A round led by Helion Venture Partners and including existing backer Blumberg Capital. The funding will be used to support the company's US expansion plans.
Global Brain invests $3.3m in Japan group buying site Luxa
Japanese venture capital firm Global Brain has invested JPY330 million ($3.3 million) in luxury group buying site Luxa through its KDDI Open Innovation Fund.
SBI, FMO target up to $125m for Asia financial sector fund
Japan's SBI Holdings and the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) are looking to raise as much as $125 million for their SBI-FMO Emerging Asia Financial Sector Fund.
Indonesia's Falcon House closes maiden fund at $212m
Falcon House Partners, an Indonesia mid-market GP, has reached a final close on its maiden fund at $212.4 million, exceeding its original $200 million target, nearly two years after launch.